Donald Laris

Donald Louis Laris, age 93, of Roosevelt, passed away October 3, 2016, at the Uintah Basin Sr. Villa in Roosevelt, Utah.
He was born April 21, 1923, in Roosevelt, to Louis and Edith Abplanalp Laris. He married Minola Horrocks on October 27,1946, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 18,1961. They were blessed with five children. She died on January 24, 1962. He married LaRene Elmer Bastian on August 6, 1962, in Vernal. She brought three children to the marriage. They were later sealed in the Manti LDS Temple on December 11, 1971.
Donald served in the US Army during World War II from June of 1944 until May of 1946. He served with the Medical Corps attached to the 93rd Field Hospital, stationed at Manila in the Philippines. He loved America and the blessings freedom provides.
He worked hard at various jobs so that he could provide for his #1 priority, his family. He hauled coal and prop for many years, owned and operated the Dairy Freeze in Roosevelt, drove truck for Buchanan Feed for years, and worked for the Forest Service in their Senior Program in his later years.
He enjoyed going to the mountains and traveling. He had a good singing voice, loved to dance, and enjoyed visiting with everyone and anyone, making many friends. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission with his wife, LaRene, in the Virginia Richmond Mission from 1992-1993. He loved his family dearly and gave the best hugs.
Donald is survived by his wife, LaRene; children, Diana (Doyle) Rasmussen, Neola; Dennis (Beulah) Laris, Myton; Susan (Jim) Beasley, Vernal; Lorna (Rick) Hardy, Mesquite, NV; Michael (Kathy) Laris, Vernal; Sabrina (Mike) Bell, Bountiful; Jonny (Anja) Bastian, Roosevelt; and Rachelle Laris, Vernal; 29 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, and numerous extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Minola; a brother, Clifton; a sister, Ellen Rawlings, and his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at the
Roosevelt 1st and 4th Ward LDS Chapel, 50 South State Street, with a viewing from 10-10:45 a.m.
Burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park with military honors by Roosevelt American Legion Post #64 and the Patriot Guard Riders.