Don Bernard Castleton
Don Bernard Castleton passed away on August 5, 2026 in Ogden Utah. He was born January 21, 1939 in Provo, Utah, to Leon and Elaine Castleton. He was the oldest of five children. Don grew up in Malad, Idaho and graduated from Malad High School in 1957 where he excelled in Music, Athletics, Academics and Student Government. He served a church mission to Finland from 1959 to 1961.
Don earned a Bachelors degree in Humanities and Arts in 1964 from Utah State University. He studied Humanities and Arts for a year at Florida State University. He earned a Masters degree in Music in 1967 and a Doctorate degree in Choral Music in 1969, both from Brigham Young University.
Don married Lola Beth Nelson on March 30, 1962 in the Logan Temple and they had 7 children. Don worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Church Education System. He began his career teaching seminary in Brigham City, Utah in 1964 and also taught seminary in Logan, Utah and Tallahassee, Florida. From 1969 to 1976 he taught and directed the choir at Boise State Institute of Religion. In 1976 he taught and directed the choir at Weber State Institute of Religion he was also the Director of the Institute for several years. He retired in 2003. Don touched the lives of countless young adults who took his classes and participated in his choirs.
As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served callings as a Bishop, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Mission President in Colombia, South Carolina from 1990 to 1993, and continued to serve at the Institute as a teacher after retirement. Don and his wife also served as faculty members of the Joseph Smith Academy in Nauvoo, IL from 2003 to 2004. They then served in the Ogden, Utah inner city mission from 2004 to 2005.
Don loved music, teaching, reading, and especially his family. He will be greatly missed by all.
Don is survived by his children Christine Spencer (Mark), Sandy Brinley (David), Sharon Castleton, Colleen Zemach (Art), Michele Foutz (Kevin), Bryce Castleton (Angie); 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Lowell Castleton, Helen Duncan, and Jean Alder. He was preceded in death by his son, Kelly Don Castleton, his wife, Lola Beth Castleton, his parents, Leon and Elaine Castleton and his brother, Douglas Castleton.
A viewing will be held Wednesday August 12, 2026 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 770 East 2100 North, North Ogden, Utah. Interment following at Ben Lomond Cemetery, 526 East 2850 North, North Ogden, Utah.
Friends and family are encouraged to share pictures and stories of Don on his memorial page at https://www.myers-mortuary.com/obituaries/don-castleton.
All services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.