Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Great Grandpa Webster

Dan's sweet Grandpa Reed Webster passed away while we were on our trip heading from VA to AL.  We were grateful to be able to finish our trip and then come home in time for the funeral, but we were SO sad not to be able to say our good-byes.  That being said, I was much more joyful about this family member passing than when Grandma passed leaving Grandpa behind.  Now, after 15 months or so of separation, they are TOGETHER AGAIN!  

1923 ~ 2012

Reed J Webster passed away Oct. 7 2012 in Harrisville, Utah surrounded by family. 
He was born Aug. 9, 1923 in Cedar City, son of John Urie and Mary Johnson Webster. He grew up in Salt Lake in the Sugar House area. 
During World War II he answered the call to serve and was wounded in combat in Germany. He received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Between the many surgeries he needed on his arm, he met and married Norma "Chris" Christensen on September 20, 1947 in Orem, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1950, and went to work as a factory rep for the Masonite Corp. He and Chris later built a coin-operated laundromat and dry cleaning business on 13th East in Salt Lake as well as in Magna and Centerville. After many years he sold the business and became a Realtor. 

He served in many positions in the LDS Church, including Explorer advisor, Bishop, Singles Branch President, and in the Stake Presidency. He served in the Salt Lake Temple and later served three temple missions with Chris. First in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he later became Temple President (1992-1995), and later in Hawaii, and St George. After their missions they spent summers in Bear Lake and winters in St. George.  

Dan's brother, Adam, and I were able to sing the closing hymn, Oh My Father, during the funeral.


Grandpa Webster was a veteran of WWII.  This was my first military graveside service where they played Taps and gave a "21 gun" salute.  Made me feel very patriotic even though my children were somewhat freaked out about the loud gun shots.



Dan's dad with his three sisters.  
The David Webster Family 
The Dan Webster Family :)
The funeral happened to be on Dan's dad's birthday as well.  It was a wonderful day filled with many family, memories, and honoring McKenna and Ben's amazing Great Grandpa Webster!  I'm so grateful to know my children come from such a wonderful Webster family line. :)

1 comment:

Mary said...

aw, what darling grandparents. this is a great homage to dan's grandfather.