Vernon Grant Wilson

July 31, 1921 - July 5, 2021

Vern Wilson, age 99, passed away from natural causes on July 5, 2021, at the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson. Vern was looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday, which he missed by 26 days. He was born July 31, 1921 in Midway, Utah to James Brigham and Lota Huffaker Wilson. He was educated locally and graduated from Wasatch County High School in 1939. He served in an exclusive radar unit in the South Pacific during WWII and married Merla Bond in the Logan LDS Temple on November 26, 1952. They had four children. He was a dedicated member and leader in the community, church and industry related organizations. He supported his family and worked with them as he progressively built a sheep ranching operation through dedication, hard work, sound business decisions, rangeland stewardship, expansion, and a willingness to adapt with changes in the industry and economy. Vern took pride in enriching the land by “making two blades of grass grow where there used to be only one.” He enjoyed working with people. He was President of the Wasatch County School Board, Utah Wool Growers Assn., Utah Wool Marketing Assn. and Midway Boosters Club. He was the Chairman of the Wasatch County Soil Conservation Service, BLM Grazing Advisory Board and served as a director of the National Wool Growers Assn., American Sheep Producers Council, Uinta Sheep Grazers Assn and numerous other committees and advisory boards. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church positions including the MIA, Sunday School, Aaronic Priesthood Advisor, Ward financial clerk, Councilor in the Midway Second Ward Bishopric and various Provo Temple assignments. Vern was known through the years for his love of dancing. Many were blessed to go for a “twirl” with him. He even provided his own tune and danced right up until his passing. He had a talent for entertaining with a fun joke, a witty story or one of his beloved poems. Vern could make a friend everywhere he went and was loved and respected for his jovial nature and kind heart. He was known as “The Boss” by his sons and “Grandpa” by everyone else. He used to tease his granddaughters that even though they were beautiful, they would never be as good looking as him. For most of his life he would beat the pants of anyone willing to play a game of Rook. But he had his own “Midway Rules” so he had the advantage. It can not be emphasized enough how much he loved being a sheep rancher. Managing the herds was his great passion and he excelled at it. When he could no longer work with the animals, he dreamed about them every night. Merla Bond was the love of his life and she worked right alongside him through many tough years to make their family and business successful. He missed her very much since her passing and longed to be with her again. They are probably going for a twirl now. Vern is survived by sons, Don (Nicole) Wilson of Salem, UT and Jay Wilson of Rancho Mirage, CA, grandchildren; Sydney, Jacklyn, Courtney Marie Kinghorn (Devin), Megan Williams (Cody), Austin, Craig, Keith, Brian, and Brad, sister Margaret Turner and brother Brice (Carolyn) Wilson. He is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Merla, daughter Marie, son Hugh, his parents, and siblings Blanche Pryor, Belva Broadbent, Curtis, Wayne and Emer.The family would like to express appreciation for the great care and love Vern received from the staff at the Veterans home. He made many friends there and felt he was loved and needed. The beautiful sendoff to TAPS given by the veterans and staff as Vern made his final procession after his death will never be forgotten by the family. Graveside services and interment will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 9th at the Midway, Utah Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to: Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 26722, Salt Lake City, Utah 84126 http://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/primarychildrens/donations/Pages/MemorialsHonorariums.aspx