An extraordinary life of love, of service, and of compassion ended on Sunday, December 22, 2013, when Charles Theo Fawson returned to his Heavenly Father. His sojourn on this earth lasted over 95 remarkable years.
Born in Grantsville, Utah, on April 22, 1918, his parents Charles Fay and Blanche Fiddler Fawson moved to Salt Lake City when Theo was just six months old. He graduated from Granite High School in 1935, and although the Great Depression and World War II put higher education out of reach for him, he had a brilliant mind and loved learning. In fact, he never ceased in his pursuit of knowledge. Often when he had a little spare time, he would work calculus and trigonometry problems for fun. He was still devouring his National Geographic magazine almost to the end.
Theo and his sweetheart, Ruth Rutter Jack, were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 16, 1938. Two days later he left to serve a mission in New Zealand, where he labored for over two years—until the missionaries were called home because of mounting world tension and pending war. Answering his country's call in 1942, he served in the Army in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations with the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 205th Military Police Company until 1945. Not surprising to us, during that service he earned the Good Conduct Medal, the European/African/Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, the Victory Medal and the Army Commendation Ribbon.
Before serving overseas, Theo helped in the war efforts at home, working for the railroad and as an airplane mechanic. Following his return in 1945, he began work as a welder, becoming an expert and mastering the welding of many different metals. Asked to do drafting in addition to welding, he became so proficient at it that by the time he retired, he was doing that work almost exclusively, laying out plans for all manner of structures. Because he had such great capacity and ability, he also operated the credit union for his company.
Theo loved the out of doors, including an annual camping vacation with his family, which vacations have provided priceless memories and many a laugh for his children as we recall our adventures and misadventures. Besides this family activity, Theo also enjoyed his annual hunting trips with his brothers. An amazing Scoutmaster, he was beloved by those boys whom he guided along Scouting's pathway. In his later years, as he mastered not one but two computer systems, he spent countless hours gathering and recording family history.
Theo's quiet yet profound reach extended to more individuals than we could possibly count. A more conscientious, caring and dependable man has not lived. Even as he lay in his sick bed, unable to walk, and failing more each day, he was concerned about those for whom he had responsibility as a home teacher. His lifetime of dedicated service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflected his deep spirituality and profound love for God and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Among many other callings, he served as a stake missionary for many years, as a counselor in the bishopric, and as stake clerk for three successive stake presidents. At the age of 89 he was called to a service mission for the Church, which he fulfilled faithfully and well.
Although he had little by way of material possessions, Theo willingly shared all that he had. When he received an inheritance from an aunt, he immediately divided it evenly and received immense joy presenting a portion to each of his children. He knew that what truly mattered in life was not material possessions. His family and his faith were his greatest and most prized and cherished possessions.
Theo is survived by children Elizabeth (Wayne) Margetts; Lynne (Bill) Cannegieter; Christine (Charles) Zito; Steven (Shawn); Douglas (Danell); twenty-four loving grandchildren; thirty-three adoring and adorable great-grandchildren; brothers R. Wayne Fawson and Jay (Gayle) Fawson; sister Donna (Jack) Phillips. Preceded in death exactly 26 years ago by his beloved wife Ruth. Also preceded in death by son Ronald; granddaughter Michelle Cannegieter; sister Renee Robbins; brother Roland Fawson; sisters-in-law Arlene Fawson and Betty Fawson; brother-in-law Alvin Robbins.
How grateful we are that you are ours and we are yours forever.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Springview Ward, 3153 South 900 East, where friends and family may visit Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
