Donald Osment
"Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend”, Donald (Don) Osment, age 93, formerly of Clearwater, Kansas and recently from Sandy, Utah, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022, with loving family at his side. Don was welcomed home by his loved ones who preceded him in death: his wife, Vera, his parents, two sisters, Liddie and Polly, a brother, Mark and great grandson, Rogue Story. Don was the youngest of four children, born in Haysville, KS on September 15, 1928, to Elvira and Samuel Osment. From a young age, Don assumed many responsibilities helping his older siblings and mother. His father left before he was born, leaving his mom alone to raise four children.
When Don was just 15 years old, he started working at Trailways Bus Company as a mechanic to help support his mother and siblings. He lied about his age, telling them he was 16. They soon found out Don’s real age, however, kept him on as an employee after discussing with his mother.
In November 1950, Don was drafted to the Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley, KS, serving in the motor pool until his discharge in November 1952.
Also in 1952, Don met the love of his life, Vera. They married March 7, 1954, in Bartlesville, OK. They shared 63 wonderful years together. Together they raised two daughters, Donna (Todd) Epp of Harrisburg, SD and Sharon (John) Hartline of Sandy, UT. In addition to his children, Don is survived by four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren Sarah (Jay) Eilers (Micah, Eden, Owen, Ava and Emma) of Sioux Falls, SD, Matthew Epp (Tatiana Jaimes) of Harrisburg, SD, Stefani Hartline of Herriman, UT, Nickolas Davis (Katharine, Oliver) of West Jordan, UT, and Courtney (Jonathan) Puskar (son arriving in August) of West Jordan, UT and several nieces and nephews he adored.
Donald was laid off from Trailways in 1987, after working for Trailways for 42 years. In 1988, Don began working for Boeing Aircraft, until his retirement in 1991.
Don was the ultimate caregiver during much of his life. He cared for his mom and siblings at a young age, and then his mother and a sister later in life. He was always willing to assist a dear friend/neighbor as well. He lovingly cared for his dear wife, Vera, through her Alzheimer’s journey, initially caring for her at home and then visiting her twice a day, every single day. He touched many hearts with this display of true, heartfelt love.
Don enjoyed traveling with Vera to see their children and grandchildren in South Dakota and Utah. He and Vera moved to Utah in 2008 to live with Sharon and her family and to get Vera the additional care she needed. He loved tinkering on cars, and it was a hard hobby for him to give up as he aged. He was “caught” one afternoon, at the age of 88, under his truck “checking things out”. He made his granddaughter promise not to tell her mom!
The family wishes to thank Tender Care Hospice, specifically Savannah and Chelsea for their unwavering support and compassionate care. We will miss dad/Peipa terribly, though are comforted by knowing he is reunited with his soulmate.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association; this was an area close to Dad’s heart as he cared for Mom during her Alzheimer’s journey.
To honor Dad’s wishes, no service will be held. His urn will be placed with his loving wife at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 1711 South Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale, UT.