Devon Lyle Doney

Devon Lyle Doney, born March 31, 1934, quietly passed away at home August 11, 2026, six months following the passing of his beloved spouse of 67 years. He was surrounded by loved ones.

Born just minutes before April Fool’s Day, Devon became the third child of Conrad and Areta Doney, with three younger sisters still to come. He enjoyed reminding people throughout his life how close he came to being an April fool.

As a young boy, his family lived with his paternal grandfather. Devon developed an especially endearing relationship with this gentle man. There was no other place Devon would rather be than sitting on his grandfather’s lap and being sung to by the hour, which was often followed by a big dish of homemade custard pudding. This tender relationship between grandson and grandfather helped shape some of Devon’s personal characteristics that prevailed throughout his life.

Farm life was the way of the Doney household. Devon had assigned chores he was expected to do daily while attending school and participating in extracurricular activities. As an adolescent, Devon continued to have a love for music and became involved with school choir which lead him to participate in school operettas and Boys Quartet. He later continued using his singing talent in performing solo performances in contests, performances, and at church.

Devon developed a testimony of the gospel at an early age which led him to pursue a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. After serving for two years, he attended Utah State University earning a BA in Agronomy and later an MS in Genetics. During this period of his life, he went on a double date with a friend. Shortly into the date, he realized he only had eyes for the friend’s date, Dixie Alder. He pursued contacting Dixie and dating her. Six months later, Devon and Dixie were married in the Logan Temple on April 17, 1958.

The newlywed couple made their home in Logan, Utah. While living there, Dixie and Devon added a son, Bryan, to their family. Following Devon’s graduation from Utah State University, the young family of three moved to Ithaca, New York, where Devon attended Cornell University to further his education in biochemistry, biometrics, and plant genetics. While at Cornell, they added two more children, Merlyn and Rosann, to their growing family. The strong work ethic already instilled in Devon from a young age aided him in supporting their growing family. While attending Cornell, he worked as a Ph.D. assistant in Plant Breeding, a grocery store assistant, and milked cows. Dixie worked equally as hard. At the time of Devon’s graduation, he proudly declared they left with their family of five debt free and had created lifelong friendships while in Ithaca.

Not long after graduation, Devon moved his family to Salinas, California, where he accepted a job with the USDA Agriculture Research Services as a Research Geneticist. There he and Dixie added two more daughters, Michelle and Shawna, to their growing family. This job led Devon and his family back to where he and Dixie started it all—back to Logan, Utah. Devon applied and was hired for a position he would have for several of his remaining career years on USU’s campus as a Research Sugar Beet Geneticist. Years later he would be transferred to North Dakota State University where he would finish his career as Research Leader and Supervisory Geneticist of the ARS Sugar Beet Research Unit there. Because of his massive contributions to the industry, Devon earned the prestigious Meritorious Service Award before retirement.

Devon had a strong testimony of the gospel. Over his life he served in numerous callings, e.g., as bishop, in stake presidencies, and as stake patriarch. He led by example and had much humility and gratitude toward his Heavenly Father. Family was one of the most endearing blessings to him.

Devon was a kind and caring man. He loved his five children and always showed this in his patient and gentle demeaner. He was fun loving and could always take a joke at his expense. His children loved to play and tease him relentlessly. Devon played endless boardgames, card games, and silly shenanigans to appease his children. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for one of his children. He had a way of calming the storms of life and guiding in a loving and gentle way.

Like his grandfather, Devon was a fun and gentle grandpa. His grandchildren flocked to be in his presence. His colorful, meticulously attended flower gardens turned into magical fairylands where grandchildren would spend endless hours of enjoyment amongst his beautiful creations. He always had a grandchild on his knee either reading, singing, or watching “The Andy Griffith Show.” The boardgame “Sorry” was played too many times to count. And of course, his playful and happy disposition was the light of his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives. His grandchildren continued to seek to be by his side, and in his final years when his physical body had given out, his grandchildren eagerly volunteered to take on the role of caregiver for him. They helped bathe, cook, and entertain him daily as he had done for them. Never a day went by without Devon expressing his gratitude by thanking those who cared for him.

He was the gentle touch that life forgets at times. He was the humble servant to all those he loved. He was a haven for children and grandchildren alike. His legacy will be forever imbedded in the hearts that felt his love.

Devon is survived by his children Bryan Doney and spouse Tammy, Merlyn Doney, Rosann Miller and spouse Richard, Michelle Miller, Shawna Brown and spouse Brandon; grandchildren Tisha, Billy Jo, Patrick, Jessica, Audrey, Adam, Amanda, Abby, Anna, and Sam.

A private service will be held for close family and friends.