Lynn Raymond Wariner's Obituary
Lynn Raymond Wariner, our loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 84 surrounded by his children on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Lynn was born November 10,1941 in Prescott, Arizona. While growing up, he and his family lived in California, Arizona, and Colorado. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. After his mission, he joined the ROTC. He traveled around singing with the ROTC choir. He met his forever sweetheart, Idonna, at a dance while attending Brigham Young University. They married March 27, 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After college, Lynn and Idonna moved to Bloomfield, New Mexico in 1966 for Lynn’s work with El Paso Natural Gas Company. After working for El Paso for 30 years, he retired. This is where their family adventures began. While in Bloomfield they raised six children: Lynette, Raymond, Cathleen, Sheila, David, and Melissa.
Lynn devoted his life to providing for his family, serving others, and making lasting friendships. In the 35 years they lived there, Lynn shared his love of the outdoors, photography/videography, music, and motorcycles with everyone he associated with. He was well known for his mechanical skills.
His children’s favorite memories of their Dad were boating, waterskiing and camping at Navajo Lake, and snowmobiling. While at work, Dad would scout for the best places to hunt deer with both rifle and bow. He would also find the best Christmas tree to bring home. Dad’s faith was important to him. He served others through many leadership callings, such as ward clerk, a ministering brother, and sang in the choir. He loved to participate with his children in their youth activities.
Dad and Mom enjoyed riding dirt bikes and would take their children on rides through dry washes and back country. Later he taught them how to ride their own dirt bikes. Dad was a pro motorcyclist. Several times he participated in the annual Widowmaker competition which was held on a steep hillside at the Point of the Mountain in Draper, Utah.
Ever since we can remember, Dad had the latest sound system in our home which carried on to his sons. Music could be heard playing in our home all the time. Some of his favorite tunes were the music of his time, such as, Neil Diamond, the righteous Brothers, Johnny Mathis, the Carpenters, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Kenny G, and most recently Gentri. Since he was asked to DJ El Paso’s company parties and church dances, he also kept up-to-date with what was popular at the time. Eventually his sons took over DJing church and school dances. He loved the Tabernacle Choir and had the privilege of singing with them at the October 1964 General Conference. This experience inspired him to listen to the Tabernacle Choir the rest of his life. He faithfully watched the famous weekly broadcast Music & the Spoken Word every Sunday.
Thanks to Dad, we have many photos and videos of important family events, vacations, and the beautiful outdoors.
In 1977, for the 4th of July, Dad built a family-owned firework stand. By 1981, we had three stands. Dad and two hired managers would spend the night at the stands to protect them from theft. Dad set up his sound system and blasted patriotic music to draw in more customers, and it worked! Afterwards, our family headed to Salt Lake City, Utah for our family vacation.
Dad was first diagnosed with melanoma cancer in 2002. For 23 years, he courageously championed through many doctor visits, surgeries, clinical trials, chemotherapy, and radiation all without complaint. Through it all, he remained faithful, optimistic, grateful, and always had a smile. He built friendships with the medical staff that managed his cancer and assisted him at home. His famous quotes to them were, “keep up the good work” and “it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.” He would always thank whomever was helping him.
Our family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, aides, and many family and friends who have loved and supported him.
He is survived by his children, Lynette Long (Mitch), Raymond (Chris), Cathleen McCary, Melissa Rail (Shane), son-in-law, Jason Jensen, daughter-in-law, Lisa Wariner; his siblings, Bill (Gail), Jim (Diane), Bonnie McKinnon, Emily Holtey (Tom), Andy (Teri), sister-in-law, Sandy Wariner, 18 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Idonna, his daughter, Sheila Jensen, his son David, his son-in-law, Kevin McCary, his parents, Cecil and Linda Wariner, his brother Kenneth, and his brother-in-law, Kent McKinnon.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, December 9 at 11:00 AM at Parkway Ward Chapel, 12110 South 1300 West, Riverton, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM.
Interment Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help cover funeral expenses. Donations can be made at America First Credit Union under Lynn Wariner or via Venmo @rwariner.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/.
Meeting ID: 95129963371
*Please note this zoom link will open to Parkway’s Ward Sacrament Meeting.
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