Donavon L. Aylard, age 86, of Bloomsburg, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, a patient of the Sunset Ridge Healthcare Center, Bloomsburg. Don was a resident of Elysburg for three years and Bloomsburg for the past five years. Don previously lived in Auburn, WA with his wife Anita for over fifteen years.
He was born on Friday, September 1, 1933 in Jackson, MI a son of the late Clark and Esther (Vore) Aylard. Don graduated from Santa Rosa High School, Santa Rosa, CA in 1951. Donavon expanded his education by attending San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art. He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army enlisting in 1956 and was honorably discharged in 1958. On December 23, 1964, Don married his loving wife, the former Anita H. Campbell, who preceded him in death on April 1, 2010.
For over 32 years, Don was employed by World Vision, Federal Way, WA as a graphic artist and most of that time was Art Director for World Vision Magazine until his retirement in 2001. Don was a beloved member of Elysburg Presbyterian Church. He was a man of prayer and deep Christian faith. He enjoyed nature photography and spiritual reading, especially C.S. Lewis and Thomas Merton, and novels, such as the Mitford series by Jan Karon. He loved his time at play with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Don was also preceded in death by two brothers, John Aylard, and Roger Aylard.
Survivors include his three children; Beth A. Aylard and spouse Sandra Meades of Tacoma, WA, Rev. Jill E. Young wife of Rev. Matthew D. Young of Bloomsburg, Todd L. Aylard of Seattle, WA, two grandchildren, Grace E. Young, Jack D. Young, a brother, Vern Aylard and wife Terri of San Jose, CA, a sister in law, Lorna Aylard of Auburn, CA, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave., Elysburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:00 am at Elysburg Presbyterian Church with Don's son-in-law, Rev. Matthew D. Young, officiating. Graveside committal services will be held at a later date in Mountain View Cemetery, Auburn, WA. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Sts., Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Aylard and Young family.
Memorial contributions in Donavon's name are suggested to: World Vision, 34834 Weyerhauser Way S., Federal Way, WA 98001 or worldvision.org/donate. Friends and family wishing to send a memorial gift, share a personal memory or offer condolences to the family, a Memorial Tribute Page in Donavon's honor and a Sympathy Store are available at
www.Allen-FuneralHome.com
.