Wallace Vaun Whitesides

Wallace Vaun Whitesides, 76, of Layton, Utah, passed away on April 25th, 2019 at Davis Hospital surrounded by his wife, children and family.

Vaun was born on October 16th, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Dent Whitesides and Marjorie Moon Whitesides the second of four children.  He was raised in Layton, Utah, and graduated from Davis High School where his love for art and teaching grew.

Upon completion of high school, Vaun was called to the Gulf States Mission where he served an honorable two years from 1961 – 1963, mostly in the New Orleans area.  It was here that he gained a deep testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that would stay with him through the rest of his life and serve as a guiding force.  He would often comment to those around him of how much those two years meant to him.

Upon returning to Utah, Vaun chose to attend Utah State University in Logan, Utah.  It was here that he met Teddy McKeachnie on a blind date.  After realizing instantly that he wanted to marry Mom, he purposed quickly and they were married on December 19th, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.   They were married for 54 years.

Shortly after the wedding, Vaun and Teddy moved to Ogden to complete his education at Weber State where he received a Bachelors Degree.  He then embarked on 36 year career working for the Dept. of Army.  He ran, then set up and trained soldiers in Craft and Auto shops all over the world.  He worked in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Alabama, Kansas and Virginia.  He influenced the lives of many for the better.

Dad was always a giving man.  He loved to serve.  For seven years he served as Bishop for the Prince William Ward in Virginia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  While he had to travel a great deal out of country during this time as Bishop, he always put his wife and children first but also gave himself to those that needed him.  As many have said, “He was a perfect example of Christ-like behavior.”  He served in any capacity with willingness.

Dad and Mom raised three children during all their moves.  He enjoyed getting to know new people and spending time helping others in need.   Dad had friends from around the world.  After spending more then 30 years away, they retired back home to Layton, Utah.   He loved spending time reliving and visiting places from his youth.  In his final years he spent a great deal of time writing up his personal history.

Dad’s greatest joys were found in his family.  He loved and cherished his wife and always put her first.  He was a giant to his three children.  He loved them unconditionally and would drop anything at anytime to help them.   They were his everything until… Grandkids.  Dad was the best Grandfather ever to his thirteen grandchildren who love and adore him.  He loved talking to them and spending time with them and watching them participate in activities.  There was no bigger cheerleader in life than Dad.

Vaun is survived by his wife:  Teddy (McKeachnie) Whitesides, his three children: Jason (Kristen) Whitesides,  Maranee Parry, Camren (Mat) Watkins and his 13 grandchildren:  Kason Whitesides, Dallon Whitesides, AJ Whitesides, Ashton Whitesides, Grace Whitesides, Nya Parry, Corbin Parry, Dakota Watkins, Isaac Mills, Casey Watkins, Gage Mills, Bridger Mills and Aliya Mills.  He is also survived by his sister Sharon Whitesides Cottle and his brother Craig (Linda) Whitesides.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dent Whitesides and Marjorie (Moon) Whitesides, his brother Val Whitesides, and his brother –in-law Ted Cottle.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday April 27th, 2019 at 11am at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St. Farmington Utah.  The family received visitors from 9:30am to 10:45am prior to the services.  Interment, Farmington City Cemetery, 500 S 200 E, Farmington, UT 84025.