Donald Alan Lewon
August 23, 1936 - March 5, 2026
Donald Alan Lewon was born on August 23, 1936, in Lewistown, Montana, to Harry and Florence Shuman Lewon, joining his sister, Laura Ann. He lived in Lewistown, enjoying the small-town life, until different business interests got his father to move the family to Salt Lake City in 1950. Don passed away on March 5, 2026.
Don went to Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, his junior and senior years in high school, graduating in 1954, and then to the University of Utah, where he graduated from the mining and metallurgy program in 1958. He bounced around a little bit following his graduation, going through basic training for the Air Force Reserve, working at the family equipment business, Lewon Brothers, in the San Francisco area, dreaming of going to work in South America for one of the mining companies there, but ending up with his father in Salt Lake City at Utah Metal Works, the family metal recycling business.
Working with his father was not always easy, but he kept running into a woman that interested him, selling tickets at U of U football games and other places, Susan Packard. They dated, and a planned trip to Europe that Don had, became a honeymoon for the 2 of them after they married on June 21, 1961.
Don worked at Utah Metal Works up until a couple of weeks before he passed, enjoying the recycling version of manufacturing, treasuring the friends that he made in the industry, and among the business customers, and the vendors, to the company.
Don enjoyed tennis, skiing, conversations with friends and family, a good martini and wine, and watching his children and grandchildren grow up and become adults in their own right. Don and Sue traveled extensively, particularly enjoying Australia, South America, and the good ol’ USA.
Don was active in industry trade associations, like NARI and ISRI. He was senior warden of St. Mark’s Cathedral 4 times. He served the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, was on the board of Wasatch Academy and Ronald McDonald House. He was on the board of the social and behavioral college at the U of U, and supported many other charities. He believed in education, and was always optimistic given the opportunities that are available here in the United States.
Don is survived by his wife Sue, daughter Anne (Jim), son Chris (Laura), son Mark, grandchildren Joshua, Austin, Packard, Sarah and Prescott, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and a multitude of friends. Preceded in death by 1 grandson, Jacob Henderson.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mark’s Cathedral, 231 East 100 South in Salt Lake City on March 14th at 11:00 am. Immediately following all are welcome to a celebration of life at the Cottonwood Club, 1780 Lakewood Dr., Holladay, Utah. Please make donations to the charity of your choice. The family would like to give our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Ridge-Cottonwood and Utah Home Healthcare and Hospice. Services entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor, please share memories and photos to Donald’s family.
In Loving Memory
My deepest condolences to the Lewon family. Don will never be forgotten at Ronald McDonald House. He was such an inspiring champion for families with hospitalized children. We are sending our love and gratitude to to all of you. oxoxox
Carrie Romano
Salt Lake City, UT
Sending love to the Lewon family. Mr. Don wasn't just a boss; he was the example of dedication and hard work. At 89 ½, he’d still scale the stairs to my office just to check-in, terrifying me every time! He lived his life doing the hard things with a smile and a joke. I enjoyed the last three years working with him sometimes a swear word or two. Rest in peace, Mr. Don—the office feels empty without you (and your stair-climbing adventures)!
Natasha McCabe
Salt Lake City, Utah
We have lost a great friend. When I first moved to the Wilshire neighborhood in 1977, Don & Sue were some of the first folks to greet us and their generosity continued from there. Both of our families had children of similar ages, they all attended school together and enjoyed after-school activities together, as well. When Leslie I were dating and subsequently married, Don & Sue warmly welcomed Leslie to the Wilshire neighborhood. Our friendship grew from there. As folks in the Wilshire neighborhood know, Don made the absolute best Margaritas, using his own semi-secret mixture. Over the years, we have enjoyed several neighborhood parties hosted by Don & Sue at their lovely home. We had a very memorable Christmas party in Don’s special bar in the basement. And on a more personal note, all four of us enjoyed sharing some wine together on either our front porch or their back deck. We also greatly enjoyed sharing dinners together at the Cottonwood Country Club. We were honored to attend Don’s 80th birthday party at the Cottonwood Club. Don had an enviable work ethic. Not only did he and his sons own/manage Utah Metal Works, Don actively supported the University of Utah. This support was financial, as well as being a Board Member at the “U”. We also had some spirited discussions regarding the football and basketball teams at the “U”, over the years. Don, we miss you. Farewell Dear Friend --- Doug & Leslie Stewart
Doug & Leslie Stewart
Salt Lake City, Utah
So sorry for your loss. A true gentleman and friend.
Steve Williams
West Bountiful, UT
And so Don is off on the next adventure. He and Sue were my friends and neighbors for 35 years. I couldn’t have asked for better. Over the years we traded pet sitting, advice, both solicited and not, maintenance people, snow removal, and endless laughs and good times. Together we inaugurated the Wilshire margarita parties with Don’s special margarita recipe. He and Sue were a winning team. One cannot help but smile in remembrance. Don was bigger than life and will be dearly missed. Bon voyage, my friend.
Jan Brittain
Salt Lake City, UT
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Lewon. He always had a kind word and a friendly smile. He went out of his way to greet me when I was a young man at St. Marks. He and Sue were so kind and helpful to my parents and visiting them at home, and bringing communion, when they were unable to make it to church. May Don's memory always be a blessing to his family.
Christopher Cowan
LAKEWOOD, CO