OBITS: The Spectrum 12 Jun 2005; St. George, Washington co., Utah

text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen
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Source: St. George The Spectrum http://www.thespectrum.com

Kent C. Meeks

My husband and best friend, our girls' and their husbands' Dad, and
grandchildren's Grandpa left for a new adventure Monday morning, May 30, 2005,
due to cancer. Kent was born September 5, 1939, in St. George, Utah, to Athe
and Marie Cox Meeks. He and I, Sue Anne Schmutz, were married June 21, 1963,
also in St. George. He's a Master Mason of Wasatch #1 Lodge and a member of
the St. George Elks Lodge.

Kent attended St. George Elementary and 7th - 9th grades at Woodward, and
attended South High when his parents moved to Salt Lake City. After high
school he came back to St. George to attend Dixie College, then to England for
two years. Shortly after returning to Salt Lake City in June 1962 we met and
it was love at first sight for both of us - which has continued for 43 years.

He was a local pick-up/deliver driver and dock worker for Garrett/ANR
Freightline for 27 years and tour bus driver for 5 years in Salt Lake City
until he retired in 1995. After he retired he took great pleasure in showing
our Grandkids the mountains, desert, and parks of Utah and northern Arizona,
and telling them about their ancestors and where they lived and homesteaded,
just like we did with our girls as they grew up. In 2000 we built our
retirement home in St. George. He loved talking with people and his "walks
around the block" could turn into a couple of hours.

Kent is survived by me (his 'Freckles'), our daughters, sons-in-law, and
grandchildren: Michelle and John Bakker and Taisha, Anya, Jessica, and Den‚;
and Raquel and Jeremy Smith and Brandon and Austin. He also is survived by his
Mother, dear brother Larry, sister Rose Marie, and very special nephews and
nieces; and parents-in-law DeWayne and Shirley Schmutz, brother Brian, and
sister and husband Gail and John Ovard. Preceded by his Father.

You are in our hearts and deeply loved by me, our daughters and sons-in-law,
and especially our grandchildren to whom you showed every day, in big and
little ways, that you carry us in your heart and love us, too.

Dress casually in bright colors and join us in celebrating Kent's life at 1:00
pm, June 18, 2005, Heideman Mortuary, 170 S. Mall Drive, St. George, UT,
84790. There will be a welcome with our family 45 minutes before, and you are
invited to join us at our house (2384 E. 160 S.) afterward to share your
memories and honor him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to
Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Intermountain Unit, Fairfax Road and
Virginia, Salt Lake City, UT 84103. Kent enjoyed a lifetime of work and play
because of the work of Shriner's Hospital when he was a child.

Originally published June 12, 2005

Larry Lyle Wattier

Larry, age 68, Father and Grandfather passed on June 8, 2005 in St.George
Utah. He was born January 12,1937 in Lansing Michigan to Jack Wattier and
Virgie Owens. Currently married to Kathy Duke, and previous marriage to the
late Janice Wattier Martin.

Larry served in the US Air Force. He enjoyed the outdoors, boating, camping,
fishing, and also flying after obtaining his pilot license. He has been living
in Southern Utah since 1970, when he moved his family and construction
business to St.George and Kanab Utah. Larry built many of the local homes and
businesses in Southern Utah.

Survivors include his wife Kathy Duke of Washington Ut, one brother Keith
Wattier, Children: Judy Lester Henderson of Arizona, Michele Leonard (Gary) of
Overton NV, Lori Hoffman (Rusty) of Salt Lake City Utah, Lance Wattier
(Johnna) of Alberquerque NM; 15 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and
Step children: Lisa Wilson, of St. George Utah, Deena McCoy of Washington
Utah, and Jennifer Chambers of Bear Creek Alabama.

Larry's children would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Kolob Care
Center of St. George and Southern Utah Home Care/Hospice for their kindness
and compassion to their father.

Originally published June 12, 2005

Jay Douglas Whiting 'Big Jay'

ST. GEORGE, UT - Jay Douglas Whiting of St. George, Utah passed away
peacefully at home on June 9, 2005. He was born November 22, 1943 in Salt Lake
City, Utah to Charles Joseph and Dorothy Trost Whiting.

"I have finally come to terms with my God and his Son Jesus Christ. Being a
logical man I now know there is a higher force that rules my life. There is no
other explanation as to why I have been blessed with so many beautiful things.
A wife who has taught me the true meaning of love, compassion and importance
of family. Five fine sons, all of whom are my greatest source of pride. I am
so happy the way they live their lives and take care of their families. Five
beautiful and creative daughters in law whom I love and respect and are so
thankful for. And then there are my grandchildren, there are no words to
describe how I feel about them. I can tell you when the demons come, and I
wage war on all my negative feelings and thoughts, my grandchildren rush into
my heart and we cast out the demons. For they are truly the weapons of the
angels."

Jay is survived by his loving wife, DeLayne Heywood Whiting; sons, Jay
(Carrie), Eric (Vickie), Jared (Debbie), Danny (Kim) and Adam (Karra);
grandchildren, Justen, Parker, Bailey, Jordan, Jayden, Jackson, Hannah,
Camryn, Jasey and Karson; and brothers, Judd, Joseph, John and Jeff.

At Jay's request, a private family gathering will be held. A graveside service
will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2005, 12 p.m., Panguitch City Cemetery,
Panguitch, Utah under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435) 673-4221.
Military Honors will be provided by the Panguitch American Legion Post 25.
Condolences may be sent through the Metcalf website at
www.metcalfmortuary.com.

Originally published June 12, 2005