Willard Wayne Cole

SMITHFIELD, Utah - Willard Wayne Cole, 81, beloved husband, loving father and grandpa, passed from this life on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 7, 1917, to Edwin Voss Cole and Olla Rebecca Owens at Preston, Idaho. He joined a family of three sisters and three brothers living in Preston.

He married his sweetheart, Gwen Alta Brown, in the Logan Temple on May 1, 1940. To begin their married life, they lived in Whitney, Idaho, and farmed. To help him out on the farm they were blessed with six daughters. After 28 years of farming, they moved to Smithfield. There he worked for Farmers Insurance, the city of Smithfield and for the USDA as an adjuster. He was able to show by example his willingness to work and give of himself, never hesitating to help others any time or place. His family learned at first hand the values of honesty, loyalty, integrity, service and patience. 'He will be missed dearly by all whose lives he touched so lovingly.

Wayne was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding the office of high priest. He enjoyed serving as a home teacher, elders' quorum president, executive secretary and temple worker for 10 years.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping with the Good Sam's club, fishing, horses, riding a tractor during spring plantings and dancing with his sweetheart. He loved working with the soil and growing tomatoes in Gwen's rose garden. His playing and teasing of grandchildren brought many squeals of delight, making family gatherings fun and memorable occasions.

He will be best remembered for his willingness to work, his soft heart and love of his family and friends. His grandchildren gave him great joy and were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and four brothers.

Survivors are his wife, Gwen of Smithfield; Glenda (Bruce) Coburn of Nampa, Idaho, Joyce (Richard) Shipley, Farmington, Utah, Diane (Eugene) Purser of Rigby, Idaho, Bonnie (Keith) Budge of Hyde Park, Utah, Marilyn (Jerry) Munk, Amalga, Utah, Sharlene (Scott) Barner of Payette, Idaho, 24 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, at the Smithfield Stake Center, 600 E. 120 South with Bishop Mike Oliverson conducting. Friends may call from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 S. Main St., Smithfield, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be in the Whitney Cemetery.