Waldo Topham Obituary (2013 - 2013)

Waldo Smith Topham passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home in Cedar City, Utah at 1:35 AM Saturday morning June 29, 2013. He died on his own terms, after a prolonged respiratory illness. Waldo was born to George A. Topham and Della Mae Smith in Paragonah, Utah on May 21, 1923. He grew up splitting his time between Paragonah and the family ranch in Bear Valley, which he dearly loved. After graduating from Parowan High School he was drafted into the army and served in the European Theater during World War II. Prior to his return home at the end of the war he had the opportunity to be with his brother Dewey several times in a hospital in France. Dewey was hospitalized after being liberated as a prisoner of war, but it was too late, and he died in the hospital of starvation. Waldo returned home and married Afton Rowley from Parowan Utah. Afton had waited for him for three years, as he served in the war effort. They settled permanently in Cedar City in 1945 and raised three boys. Waldo was employed for forty-three years at Bradshaw Home and Auto (Firestone Store). An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he served faithfully in a number of leadership capacities. Following his retirement he served for ten years as an ordinance worker in the St. George Temple, with Afton by his side. Nothing was more important in Waldos life than family and friends. He didnt have an enemy in the world. Everyone who knew him, considered themselves to be one of his very best friends. You could not be in his presence without appreciating his sense of humor and dry wit. These character traits remained with him to the end. He was preceded in death by; his parents, brothers Dewey and Fred, Freds wife Willowdean, a sister Elma Simpkins, a brother-in-law Lyman Dodge and a sister-in-law Pauline Topham. He is survived by; his wife Afton Rowley Topham (Cedar City, Utah), his older brother Kenneth G. Topham (Paragonah Utah), a sister Glenna Dodge (Cedar City, Utah) and a brother-in-law McLain Simpkins (Bountiful, Utah). He is also survived by all three Sons; Marshall R. Topham (Nancy Ann) of St. George, Utah, Gordon W. Topham (JoAnn) of Monroe, Utah and Brady R. Topham of Cedar City, Utah. In addition, he is survived by; 15 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren. Funeral services are at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at the LDS Cedar City 17th Ward chapel (256 South 900 West). A viewing will be held at the Southern Utah Mortuary on Friday July 5, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Another viewing will be held at the Cedar City 17th Ward chapel (256 South 900 West) Saturday July 6, 2013 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.. Interment will follow in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.