St. Hilaire – Donavon Clifford Foss, 77, of St. Hilaire, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at SMP Health – St. Catherine South in Fargo, ND.
Donavon Clifford Foss was born on September 9, 1947, in Thief River Falls, to Clifford Foss and Hilda (Nelson) Foss. The family moved to St. Hilaire when Donavon was one year old, and Donavon lived in the same house throughout his life. Donavon attended school at St. Hilaire Elementary through 8th grade, and he graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1965.
After graduating high school, Donavon worked at Arctic Cat before entering into service with the United States Army on January 18, 1968. He served six years including three years in Vietnam as a vehicle mechanic. He ended his active-duty tour on January 11, 1970 and was honorably discharged on January 17, 1974. Donavon was decorated with the National Service Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He attained the rank of Corporal.
After his service time, Donavon returned to St. Hilaire where he worked for the City of St. Hilaire and later for St. Hilaire Supply. For the last several years, Donavon worked as a truck driver for Thygeson Construction in Thief River Falls, from where he retired in 2023.
Donavon enjoyed family and city historian activities, visiting with family and friends, hunting, snowmobiling, metal detecting for treasures on the east coast, and traveling.
Donavon was a member of the VFW Post 2793 and American Legion Post 117.
Survivors include his sister, Mariann Anderson (George Pool) of Citrus Heights, CA; nephews, Matthew Anderson of CA, and Mark Anderson (Nearess Wells) of Mendocino, CA; great-nieces, Rachel and Melissa; great-nephews, Isaiah Wells, and Bailey Anderson; great- great-nephews, Noah and Titus; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Hilda Foss; brother-in-law, Glenn Michael Anderson; nephew, Michael Don Anderson; brother, Robert “Bobby” Nelson; and other relatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 2–4 p.m., with a prayer service at 3 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
Military Honors will follow the service by the American Legion Post 117, VFW Post 2793, and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
The burial will be at United Free Lutheran Cemetery, Greenbush.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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