Van Clark Gailey

Our sweet husband, father, grandfather, Van Clark Gailey, returned to his heavenly home peacefully surrounded by his wife and family on Sunday October 29, 2023. He was born on February 20, 1929, to Edwin Edmonds Gailey and Maggie Elizabeth Smedley. In his youth, he loved to play baseball and wrestled. He was known as “Mustard”, a nickname given to dad from his baseball years. His teammates and coaches never knew his real name was “Van”.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an LDS mission to the Southern States Mission. He shared many stories with everyone that would visit him about his mission experiences. He had a very strong desire for all to hear his testimony of Jesus Christ throughout his life. He returned home from his mission on October 31, 1951. On December 6, 1951, he was sealed to his sweetheart, Shirley Laura Thurgood, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

They made Syracuse, Utah their first home. They later grew to love Brigham City, Riverdale, Uintah, each home having a special place in raising their 3 children, Alan, Jolene, and Shirlene.

Dad was hard working in providing for his family. He worked in various fields. He worked full time until he was 93. His most loved job being at the Adams Parkway Toll Road where so many looked forward to seeing his happy, cheerful smile and BYU cap as they came through. Anyone that we have come into contact with knew dad, commented on his kind, sweet happy nature. They would always tell us how grateful they were to have come into contact with him.

In this last year as his health declined, he resided in Layton at his daughter’s home. He was under the care of Inspirations Hospice. He looked forward to his visits and care from them. He was bed bound for a majority of that year, but always sent anyone that would visit away feeling happy and uplifted. He never complained about his circumstance but always fulfilled his devotion to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. As we had the honor to help care for Dad, we were always touched by his sweet prayers, which always included a prayer for his sweet companion, mom.

We would like to thank Dad’s Inspiration Hospice Team especially Karlee, Angie, Paige, Sharlene, and Chayton and others for their love and tender care. He loved each one of you and your dedicated service and visits.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, son Alan C. Gailey (Suzanne), daughter Jolene Jackson (Kent), and daughter Shirlene Buckway (Dallas). He was blessed with 24 grandchildren, and 100 great-grandchildren, with 1 great-great on the way. He is also survived by two sisters and several sister-in laws and a brother-in law as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held November 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel Hills Ward, 1290 Church Street, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family Friday, November 3, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

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