Don J Gust

Don J. Gust, age 92 passed away peacefully September 4, 2024 at his Home in Ivins, Utah. Don was born December 23, 1931 in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Herbert and Estella Gust. Don had two brothers and three sisters ( Gordon, Russ, May, Pat and Kay). Don grew up in the Canyon where he found his love of sports, especially baseball at a very young age. Don always gave credit to Bailey Sanistevans and the “Brickyard” where Don was not only introduced to the game of baseball, but the game of life. At the age of 14, Don was the youngest player to play on the National Level at the American Legion Finals baseball tournament in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Don attended both Bingham Junior and Senior High from 1944-1950. Don lettered on the State Level in Football, Basketball and Baseball all three years in High School. Don led his team to a State Championship in Baseball in 1950 where he served as team captain. Don also played the trumpet in the school band, served as a Student Body Officer and participated in the Prospector Club.

Upon graduation from Bingham High School in 1950, Don Signed a contract to play Professional Baseball with the Detroit Tigers Organization and the Philadelphia Phillies. Don played professional ball for four years until he entered the Army in 1955, and was honorably discharged. Don graduated from the University of Utah and married Dicy D. Hiskey on June 20, 1958. Don and Dicy had a magical relationship for over 60 years, where they enjoyed life's journey raising their 4 boys, being captivated by their grand and great grandchildren, and having wonderful friends who they traveled and gathered with often. Don and Dicy were ever so close with Delmar and Maxine Schick.

Known as the “Sisters”, they lived next to each other for over 50 years. The love and connection these two families have had for each other has filtered down to the next generation where the Gust and Schick Children consider each other as one family. .

Don began a highly successful career in coaching when accepting a position at Morgan High School the fall of 1958. Teaching and Coaching at Morgan for two years, Don then transferred to Cyprus High for a year. He eventually found his HOME at Hillcrest High School in 1962 where he coached for nearly twenty years. Don was especially proud of his State winning Cross-Country team, the State winning Baseball team of 1980, and every athlete he had the pleasure of coaching. Don had the opportunity to coach the Region Champs 12 of his 18 years at Hillcrest. Don also coached the 1972 and 1975 State winning American Legion teams. Don was selected as the “South” All-Star Coach of the year four times, and served as the President of the Utah Baseball Coaches Association. Don enjoyed his 35 plus years with the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Organization where he scouted hundreds of players. Known as “Mr. Baseball”, Don loved the game of baseball, but more importantly loved the association he made with so many in his nearly 75 years of being involved in the game.

Don never missed an opportunity to share the impact of growing up in Bingham Canyon, meeting Dicy, the love of his life, and how proud he was of his family.

Preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters and wife Dicy D. Hiskey Gust Don is survived by his sons, Greg, Rodney (Kristy), Kevin(Joan) and David (Tiffany). 8 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren.

Celebration of life will be held on Oct 6, 2024 at Cate Field 3491 West 9000 South, West Jordan, Utah from 5:30-8:00pm. Funeral Services will be held on Oct 7, 2024 at the LDS Chapel on 2923 West 9000 South at 11:00 am. A visitation will be from 9:30-10:45pm prior to the funeral services. 

Interment will follow at the West Jordan Cemetery, where Don will receive Full Military Honors.