Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

Shirley Wilson

Dad

Nine days after celebrating his ninety-sixth birthday, on October 29, 2019,  Shirley Wilson of Payson, Utah, passed peacefully into the other side.

Born October 20, 1923, Shirley was the fifth child of six born to Richard and Jennie May Mitchell Wilson. Shirley learned hard work early by helping raise vegetables in the family garden, scouring the nearby railway track bed for extra lumps of coal to sell, and by raising his own chickens and selling their eggs.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, Shirley was a senior at Payson High School and quickly volunteered to serve in the US Navy.  He was assigned to serve on the minesweeper USS Daring AM-87. He served as the ship's electrician, machinist mate 1st class. Shirley experienced battle at Iwo Jima, Tinian, New Guinea, the Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. After the battle of Okinawa, the USS Daring rescued many aviators from downed B-29’s returning from bombing runs on Japan.
After the war, Shirley contemplated a career in the Navy, but eventually returned to Payson and civilian life, hunting and fishing and dating; mostly in that order.

That changed when Shirley met Helen Jean Steele at a local school dance. The brunette with the outgoing personality had stolen his heart. Helen was the last woman he ever dated. On September 9, 1950, Shirley and Helen were married at the Goshen LDS Ward building. On June 25, 1952, that marriage was made eternal in the Manti, Utah Temple.

Shirley’s first job after the Navy was upholstering furniture. One day the local Chevrolet dealer, P.E. Ashton asked Shirley if he could also upholster cars. Shirley told him that, “A seat is a seat. I can upholster anything.” At that time Shirley had not yet upholstered a car. Shirley wanted to be his own boss and began doing side upholstery in his home garage in Payson; he liked being on his own.

In 1955, Shirley opened his own business in Provo as Shirley Wilson Seat Covers. He operated and was involved with his business until his 78th year.

Though he worked long hours with his hands, he made time for many other adventures. Shirley served as president of the Cockleburs Riding Club, riding in events and helping to produce many Payson rodeos and races.

Shirley liked helping people and his talents were constantly put to work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Webelos Cub Scout Leader, Cub Master, Explorer Advisor, counselor in the Elders Quorum, Elder’s Quorum President, as a counselor in bishoprics and as Bishop. Shirley loved Scouting and was thrilled that in his 70s he was asked to once again be a scoutmaster. In 1999 he was awarded the Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts of America.

Shirley will be remembered for his directness, his generosity and service, his storytelling, his gratitude for small things and for his love of life. One of his sons once asked him, "Dad, what is your greatest accomplishment?"  Shirley thought for a moment, then said, “Marrying your mother and raising seven great kids.”

Shirley is the last of his siblings to pass through the veil. He was preceded by twins, Irene (Harold) Thomas and Ilene (Glen) Spencer; Ralph (Gean) Wilson; Edith (Ray) Carter; Darrell (Georgia) Wilson;  La Mar (May) Wilson.

Shirley is survived by his 7 children, 32 grandchildren, and his 65 great grandchildren. The children are: David (Colleen); Dennis (Michelle); Diane (Dan) Steele: Lisa (Terry Montague): Fran (James) Whitchurch, Douglas (Jill)  and Kent.

A viewing will be held Saturday, November 2, from 9 AM until 10:30 AM at the LDS Chapel at 681 East 500 North, Payson. Funeral service will be at 11 AM. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to www.walkerobits.com.