Donald Keith McEwen

Donald Keith McEwen passed away at his home with family attending on March 2, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born December 31, 1930 in Hansen, Idaho to Orlo Clair McEwen and Jessie Irene (Marlin) McEwen. He was the 3rd of 8 children and the oldest son.

He is preceded in death by his parents Orlo McEwen, Jessie (Marlin) McEwen, wife Betty (Rathbun), son Evan, grandson Dustin and 4 siblings (Russell, Phillip, Gene and Kay).

He is survived by his children, Julie Bulthuis (Paul), Carey McEwen (Valerie), Alan McEwen and Lisa McManus, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, siblings Gary McEwen (Beverly), sisters Joy Bell and Lynn Smith (David), and an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He graduated from Kimberly High School in 1948. He married Betty Lee Rathbun on June 11, 1950; they were married 61 years.

Donald spent most of his life in the Magic Valley. He lived for a brief time farming in Quincy, Washington.

Donald was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as Ward Clerk in several Bishoprics. He was proud of his Pioneer ancestor's and other family heritage, spending many years working on genealogy and helping others with theirs at the Twin Falls Family Search Center.

Donald was a hard worker and enjoyed the physical labor of farm work, and working on farm equipment. He often was seen working in the yard, enjoying his flowers and garden. When he could no longer work in the yard, he was still seen walking around it or sitting in the sun by the back door.

He worked for Leslie Davis and Son Implement Company for many years, working on farm equipment and custom farming. He frequently attended Wednesday and Saturday livestock auctions to have lunch and visit with friends there.

He owned a custom agriculture spraying business in the late 60s in Burley and continued to custom spray with other companies for many years.

He drove long haul and short haul semi-truck routes and delivered sod for KN Turf in Kimberly. He especially liked their cab over Peterbilt.

He enjoyed reading the newspaper, church magazines and books, along with books about interesting and unusual things and events in the world. He liked to watch the evening news and especially loved watching old western and cowboy shows and movies.

Most of all Donald loved his family, would help when he could and was proud of them. When the family dropped by they would get a big smile and a hug.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13 at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, with burial to follow at the Twin Falls Cemetery.

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