Obituary: Donald Sarver

July 26, 1937 – January 23, 2026

Donald Lee Sarver, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, CO. Donald was born on July 26, 1937, in Springfield, IL. He graduated from Springfield High School and from Muscatine Community College in Muscatine IA. He served as pastor of Colonville Church of God in Clare, MI. Don had also been a plasterer since the age of 16. He ran his own business in both Michigan and Colorado. One of his best accomplishments was having worked on the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, CO, during its restoration. In addition, he attended Grace Church for nearly 30 years in Basalt, CO where he served as an Elder. He also enjoyed attending the Men’s Breakfast for years in Littleton, CO. One would be hard pressed to find someone who could compete with him in Bible Trivia, even a few pastors we know. He was a simple man who loved the Lord and his family, especially his grandchildren. He was also fond of animals, particularly German Shepherds. He loved music, including the Gaither’s, Johnny Cash, and Elvis. He had attended many of the Gaither’s concerts. Don often used humor when talking to or meeting people. For example, when someone was taking too long to do something, he would break out into the old song called “Slowpoke”. When someone was being sarcastic, he would joke “that’s no altitude”, or when meeting someone, he might say “greetings and hallucinations.” He was patient, kind, and full of wisdom. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Phyllis, by his siblings, Dean “Bud”, Rosemary, Carroll, June, Jayne, by his grandchild, Joshua, and by his wives Carley and Wilma. He is survived by his sister, Jody, his three kids, David, Dean, and Donya, his grandchildren, Crystal, Mark, Tanner, and MacKenzie, and by his wife Trudy. Services for Don will be held at Grace Church of the Roaring Fork Valley, 1776 Emma Road Basalt CO, on February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A small graveside service to follow for all who want to attend at Skyline Cemetery off 7th street in Silt, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.