Don was born in 1937, to Ira Walker and Afton Stauffer Beesley in Ogden. He spent his younger years in Ogden, attending Birch Creek Elementary, South Ogden Jr. High, Weber High School, and Weber Junior College. Later, the family moved to Bountiful. From there, he left to serve in the Southern States Mission. Shortly after his return home, his attention was drawn to the lovely Sunday School chorister with the radiant smile. He was sealed to our beautiful mother in the Salt Lake Temple in 1961.

Don served in the Army Reserves as a military police officer. Don earned degrees from the UofU, BYU, and a Doctor of Education from USC. His growing family moved from West Jordan to Provo to Southern California, ultimately landing in Fullerton. By the time the family moved back to Utah, there were five little girls and one baby boy in tow. The last baby girl in the Beesley clan was born in Ogden, just like her dad.

Brother Beesley, as our dad is known to many, taught seminary at Bingham High; he taught at BYU while working on his masters. He was then assigned to be the director of the LDS institute of religion at Fullerton Junior College. He oversaw the construction of the Institute building there. He also enjoyed the unique position of liaison for the Church with Disneyland. His teaching career eventually took him back to Weber State, and later to Calgary and the BYU Jerusalem Center.

In 1975, Dad and Mom had the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land through his employment with CES. Dad had previously guided tours to church history sites. After visiting the Holy Land, he was determined to become a tour guide to that wonderful place. We’ve lost count, but he led close to 30 tours and taught at the BYU Jerusalem Center 3 times. The Holy Land became their home away from home, and they dearly loved to be there.

Dad and Mom served as CES missionaries, and as temple missionaries in Washington D.C. One of the great honors of Dad’s life was being called to be a sealer in the temple. He especially cherished the opportunities he was given to seal several of his grandchildren to their spouses.

Dad loved a good story. He relished the chance to share one of his stories, (often prefaced by, “If I’ve told you this before, you can stop me.” Nope. Tell it again, Dad) but he equally enjoyed hearing of others’ experiences. If Dad went to buy a car, by the time he was signing the contract he knew the whole life story of the salesperson, and any interaction they’d ever had with his family members. We always felt like he knew everyone. Anywhere we went, he was approached by previous students or people he had worked with in the temple. Dad loved people.

Dad had a zest for life and a childlike wonder. He showed us how to love so many things, sharing his excitement and passion for things like family, education, music, clean cars, tidy lawns, photography, Disneyland, reunions, travel, patriotism, visiting graves, and of course, ice cream.

But mostly, he shared his love of God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dad was, at heart, a teacher. Thanks for teaching and guiding and loving us, Dad.

Until we meet again, Dad will be missed by Caron (Curt) Breitweiser, Sharolyn (Dave) Blume, Julie (Norm) Young, Brenda (Don) Lore, Lisa (Brent) Steed, Duane Beesley, Suzanne Reid, 28 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Washington Terrace 13th Ward, 125 East 5350 South. The family will be accepting visitors on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., also at the church.