Wayne F. Willette, 90

Utah – Wayne Francis Willette passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, 2023. He was born on April 25, 1932, to Robert Clarence Willette and Hazel Mae (Dobson) Willette in Blue Earth (Faribault County). Wayne attended Blue Earth High School graduating in 1950.

He served in the United States Navy 1950-1954 aboard the USS Bennington during the Korean War. He attended Idaho State College from 1954 to 1956. In October 1956, he took an assignment with the United States Post Office on the Railway Postal Service route between Butte, Montana and Salt Lake City, Utah until it was discontinued in 1967. At which time, he transferred to the United State Postal Service working in the Salt Lake City office until he retired in 1987.

Wayne married Marea Merrell in 1956 in Blackfoot, Idaho. They had three children, Ray Willette (Sharon), Shanna Howell (Jeff) and Celia Willette. He has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Wayne divorced Marea in 1975. In 1977, he married Irma Bell Myers, they were married 44 years.

He enjoyed gardening, hiking and outdoor recreation. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America for many years.

Wayne had seven brothers and four sisters: Darrell, Betty (Hardt), Raymond, Robert, Dorothy (Connor), Alfred, Donald, Lois (Koslowski), David, Richard, Susan (Davis).

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Darrell, Raymond, Robert, David, Richard; and sisters, Dorothy and Betty and his wife.

The family thanks Superior Home Hospice and the VA Hospital caring team members.

Funeral services will be held on Jan. 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park at 17111 South 1700 West, Bluffdale, Utah 84065. Viewing on Jan. 26, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at Cannon Mortuary at 2460 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121.

In lieu of flowers, go fishing or hiking and donate to your local parks and recreation organizations.