Davawn Austin Beattie passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022, at his winter home in Yuma, AZ surrounded by his wife of 69 years and his three children after a brief illness and surgery. He was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1932 in Rexburg, Idaho to Frank Theone and Thelma Belnap Beattie. the firstborn of five children.

Davawn grew up in the rural community of Burton, Idaho. He spoke often of his ideal childhood, where he learned the value of hard work. He worked with his father for 30 years in the construction business, believing he knew how to use a hammer about the same time he learned to walk.

Davawn joined the 82nd Airbourne on March 19, 1951. He proudly served his Country. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, HI, Fort Benning, GA, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Hood, TX, Supply School in Jackson, SC and Camp Drum in Watertown, NY. On his first leave back home, he met Connie June Davies at a school dance and claimed it was love at first sight. They were married on May 19,1953 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Soon after the nuptials they drove to Southern Pines, North Carolina where he was stationed at Fort Bragg.

After his honorable discharge, they returned to Rexburg to begin their next chapter. Davawn began working as a supervisor of the carpenter shop at Ricks College in 1963, later serving as the Supervisor of the Ground and Motor Pool department. He was responsible for the beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens surrounding the college.
Everyone commented on his talents, and many wanted him to design their yards, seeking his counsel from tree health to proper lawn nutrients.

Davawn was the best father to his three children, Debra (Mike), Shelby (Cindy) and Trent. He taught them all about the value of hard work and living a life with integrity, All of his eight Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren have learned valuable lessons and loved him so much. They have cherished memories that will live on through his posterity. He knew incredible joys and heartbreaking sorrow. He lost his kid sister Carole and younger brother Brent at an early age and had a special bond with his remaining brother Morgan and sister Patricia all his life.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities including Ward Clerk, Sunday School Presidency, Sunday School Teacher, and his favorite calling was serving in a Ricks College Ward Bishopric. He lived Christ like principles by loving his fellowmen. He never knew a stranger. His fun personality drew others to him like a magnet. He loved his family and many friends and leaves a rich legacy.

He is survived by his wife Connie, his three children and families, a sister, and a brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Carole and brother Brent.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rexburg 16th Ward, 612 S. Hidden Valley Rd., Rexburg, Idaho. Interment will be in the Rexburg Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will be held Friday, May 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and again 10:00-10:55 a.m. prior to the service in the 16th Ward Relief Society Room.