Vernon Riley Beckett

Vernon Riley Beckett

RIVERDALE - Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Vernon Riley Beckett, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2013. He was born on October 19, 1937, in Ogden, Utah, to Fred L. and Vivian Hegstrom Beckett. He graduated from Weber High School and Weber College, and served as a full-time missionary in the Eastern States Mission.

He met his sweetheart, Barbara Barnett, and they were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on November 17, 1960, and they raised six children together. They stood faithfully together, side by side, for 52 years of marriage. Vernon devotedly supported Barbara through many life-threatening health trials over the years, and he could not have asked for a more loyal companion to love and serve him over the past three years of his own difficult health problems following a tragic fall.

He was a Vice President at the Bank of Utah and retired after 38 years, and served in community organizations, including the Kiwanis Club.

Vernon loved music and was a talented musician. He loved playing the guitar and the banjo with his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and camping. He took great pleasure in the simple things in life, such as leatherwork, art, archery, and a good bowl of ice cream! He especially enjoyed sharing these things with his grandchildren.

Vernon lived a full and wonderful life. He had a genuine love for people, and enjoyed visiting with and serving everyone he met. He loved the Savior and had a fervent testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He taught his children and grandchildren by his example. He loved Scouting and working with the Special Needs Mutual. He served many years as a Scoutmaster and was awarded the Silver Beaver. Vernon and Barbara served four missions together as service missionaries, including the Addiction Recovery Program, as temple workers, with the Special Needs Mutual, and in the inner city wards. He also served as a bishop and in many other Church callings.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Lorraine (Alan) Paris; sons, David (Karri), Paul (Melissa), John (Tracy), James (Kristi), and Stephen (Megan); as well as 24 grandchildren; and siblings, Fred Beckett and Janet Valentine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Vivian Beckett; brother, Lawrence Beckett, and beloved in-laws Tom and Allie Barnett. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Riverdale 4th Ward Chapel, 5500 South 1175 West, Riverdale. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the LDS Church Missionary Fund is suggested.