Alexander Matthew Donley, 32, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on July 26, 2025.

Alexander Matthew Donley was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on October 17, 1992, to Sonda Kay Donley. They lived in Salem, New Hampshire, and then moved back to the Groton/Aberdeen, South Dakota area in 1994.  Alex attended K-6th grade at Groton Elementary School. Middle School was an adventure, attended in Southern Utah and Colorado.  In 2011, he was a proud recipient of a diploma from Greely West High School in Greely, Colorado.  Good grades came easily, especially in Math classes, but woodworking and playing soccer were his favorites.  Quite the feat, he made the varsity soccer team as a freshman at Greely West. Alex met Alyssa in high school through their mutual love and involvement in soccer. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Landyn and Scarlett.  Alex and Alyssa were fully committed to their children even when they parted ways as companions.  Being a father was the most important title Alex held; encouragement in sports was further supported by coaching Landyn's baseball team and Scarlett's soccer team.  He was their biggest fan on & off the field/court.

After High School, Alex moved to Utah and was able to attend some college courses, of which welding and art classes were his favorite.  The majority of his adult life, other than the adventurous year that he spent living out of his camper trailer in Tennessee, was spent in Utah.  Most recently, he resided in Idaho Falls while working towards his dream of moving to Minnesota and living on the piece of land that he recently purchased. Tragically, he passed away before he could fully achieve his goal of living out of a 5th wheel camper trailer on his own property and eventually building a home there.

Alex was very creative and loved drawing, woodworking, and welding. Another passion of his was working on, fixing, and customizing vehicles, especially his 2004 Acura RSX.  Frequent visits to junk yards, parts stores, online research, phone calls, and a lot of time wrenching were involved.

Having never liked the name Alexander or Alex, a few years ago, he started going by Xander.  Problem solved, albeit a little confusing among family and friends.

Xander's spiritual journey brought him back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a few years ago, and he shared that with Landyn and Scarlett. His drive, thirst for knowledge, and growth in the church enabled him to perform Landyn's and Scarlett's baptisms.  Church meetings, family prayers, scripture reading, time with the missionaries, service projects, and church activities, it was a special time in their lives as a family. He enjoyed participating in Landyn's young men's activities, always up for a camping trip or temple outing.  Xander played on an adult softball team, an occasional football game, and spent a lot of time with the children at the Clearfield Rec Center.

Xander had several jobs between 2011-2016, experiences that were put to good use when he started his own business in 2016.  An enterprising ability allowed him to successfully sustain this business. He enjoyed being a business owner and the flexibility it provided for him to be able to spend more time with his children while working from home. Xander was never afraid to take a chance, expand his product line, or figure out better ways to run the business.

Some favorite activities were soccer, snowboarding, snowmobiling, skateboarding, four-wheeling, camping, and golfing. He loved being able to incorporate his passions to include Landyn and Scarlett, teaching them and participating with them. Xander had a love of singing, music in general, and dabbled in playing the guitar.

A unique way of making people feel seen was one of his many gifts. His energetic smile and bright eyes drew people to him. When talking with Xander, he always had a funny or lighthearted comment ready.

Xander has left a deep void in the lives of all those who loved and knew him. His best traits, qualities, and passions will live on through his children.

Xander is survived by his two children: Landyn and Scarlett Donley; his mother, Sonda Donley; his grandparents: Donald (Joann) Donley of Groton, SD & Donna Prescott of Billings, MT; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Jacob Donley (2024); his great-grandparents, Grandma and Papa Donley, Orville (1988), Edith (2016);  Abby (2020).

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at the LDS Church, 2375 E. 3225 N., Layton, Utah. Cremation is under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Condolences are welcome at www.coltrinmortuary.com.