WYDELL HACKING JEFFERY 1942-2022
Passed away peacefully at home August 17, 2022, due to kidney failure.
Beloved husband, father, brother, servant, Wydell was born March 24, 1942 in American Fork, Utah, the oldest of 7 boys, to Irvin Wilbur and Maurine Hacking Jeffery. He was a big help for his dad at the slaughter house or wherever needed. He gained knowledge and experience in mechanics while helping his dad work on his vehicles. He then utilized his skills in building a go cart and later putting a bigger, faster Lincoln engine in his 53 Ford. He also built a water skiing boat which he enjoyed every chance he got, becoming an excellent skier.
His mother put him in ballet lessons when quite young. She was also able to get him singing lessons from Richard P. Condie, choir director of the Tabernacle Choir, He had enjoyed singing in church and school activities. He also excelled in wrestling. He graduated from Delta High School in 1960, with a scholarship to attend Utah Technical College in Salt Lake City, where he attended 1960-61, studying diesel mechanics.
He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Always dedicated to his duties, he earned his Duty to God award before being called to serve a mission in the North Central States. One memorable experience he had while serving, was trying to return to their apartment when a storm warning had been issued. The car refused to run until they turned around and returned to the apartment of the elders in the area where they were.
Upon returning from his mission, he attended Weber State College, where he met Carol Lee Austin at the ward in April. After a short courtship, they were married September 11, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple, by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.
Shortly after marrying, they moved to Ely NV where Wydell was offered work as a mechanic at Harvey Young dealership. He served as the Activity Counselor in the Stake YMMIA, which he enjoyed a great deal. Then on December 5, 1965, Elder LeGrand Richards set Wydell apart as Bishop Of the Ely 2nd Ward, where he served until moving back to Utah, January, 1967.
They lived in a mobile home park near Hill Airfield with planes overhead all hours of the day. Wydell worked as a mechanic for Fisher Hess Pontiac and served as Scout Master in the Riverdale Ward. Wydell returned to Weber State in September 1968, and worked for Arv’s Trailer Repair. He was invited to sell insurance and joined the John Hancock company. Being very successful, he was transferred to the Salt Lake office as Manager. The pressure was affecting his health and he decided to switch to Allstate.
Wydell’s father and brother, Steven, asked him to move to Delta and join them in Jeffery and Son’s Trucking. He took pride in helping expand the business and enjoyed putting his skills to the test. He was very talented and able to make or fix almost anything. They added gravel and then cement to their long haul services. He and Carol also put on dinners and sold cookware for Miracle Maid, earning a trip to the Bahamas. Wydell served as the YMMIA president and was a great influence in the lives of the young men in preparing to go on missions. Other church positions held were Gospel Doctrine teacher, Ward Executive Secretary, and a member of the High Council.
When Wydell’s father died, the brothers decided to split the business. Wydell took the gravel and cement business. He later sold it to Western Rock when the power plant came to Delta. Wydell sold insurance again for awhile before getting back into trucking, which he was doing at the time he retired and moved to Payson.
He and Carol worked in the baptistry of the Payson temple until his illness. Also at the Payson Veterans Home Branch.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, Payson; son Bradley (Michele), Payson; son Bryan, Pima, Arizona; son Roger (Ruth), Lehi; daughter, Collette (Jeremy), Payson; daughter Monica (Steve), Delta; son Michael (Karli), Springville; daughter Angela (Cory), Spanish Fork; and daughter Nicole (Brian), Nampa, Idaho. 41 grandchildren (counting spouses) and 11 great grandchildren. Brothers Keith (Doreen), Sunset; and Steven (Susan),
Orem.
Services for Wydell will be on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 at the Payson 2nd ward Building, 902 W 400 N, Payson, Utah 84651. There will be a visitation with the family at 10-10:45 am, with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am.
Condolences can be offered at www.legacyfunerals.com.
