J Wendell Hall

Obituary for J Wendell Hall

J Wendell Hall, 87, of South Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by family, following a brief struggle with late-stage cancer.

Wendell was born on September 30, 1938 (a day his mother later told him was “the most beautiful fall day one could possibly imagine”), in Springville, Utah, to Arthur LeRoy Hall and Della Marie Jensen Hall. The second of six children, Wendell’s early years were filled with outdoor adventures and a love for the mountains surrounding his hometown. He loved his parents and siblings, Glade, Connie, George, John, and Marilyn. He especially enjoyed spending time with his dad, who taught him to be a hard worker.

A graduate of Springville High School (Class of 1956), Wendell spent his youth shooting, hunting, fishing, exploring the hills of Utah Valley, and developing a strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life. He served a 2½-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taiwan and Hong Kong from 1958–1961. This was challenging since the Book of Mormon had not yet been translated into Chinese, but Wendell developed a love for the Chinese language and the people, and the experience strengthened his faith and left a lasting influence on him.

After returning home from his mission, Wendell attended Brigham Young University while serving in the Army Reserve and graduated in December 1963. Wendell accepted a job at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in San Jose, California after graduating from BYU, and soon married his sweetheart, Kay Christensen. Wendell had been immediately smitten with Kay, who he described as “the most delightful and enchanting person on planet earth,” and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on July 10, 1964, beginning more than 60 years of devoted companionship. Throughout their marriage, Wendell adored Kay with unwavering loyalty and tenderness.

Wendell and Kay spent 46 years in California—San Jose, Danville, and Folsom—where they raised their three children: Douglas (Janet), Tecia (Lester), and Scott (Jessica). Wendell completed his law degree at the University of Santa Clara while working for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, graduating from law school in 1974. He practiced workers’ compensation law for decades, becoming a respected name partner in his law firm Thomas Hall Salter & Lyding. He was a fair and honest worker’s compensation attorney, and the judges he appeared before knew they could always trust every word out of his mouth. That was his reputation.

He was a devoted father and a loving grandfather to twelve grandchildren—Sara (Kevin), Matt (Jessica), Greg (Keena), Audrey, Will (Gwyneth), Mark, Jared, Haley, Emily, Lindsay, Aubrey, and Brittany—and two great-grandchildren, Claira and Olivia (Sara). Wendell cherished family gatherings, especially memorable reunions at Lake Tahoe, Monterey, and other favorite places. He was always found behind the lens of a camera, “snapping memories” as he would say, and took joy in every family photograph, outing, and milestone, seeing his posterity as his greatest earthly accomplishment.

Wendell’s life was defined by service. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in numerous callings, including High Councilor, Young Men’s President, Elders Quorum President, High Priests Group Leader, Sunday School teacher, and a stake missionary on multiple occasions. He also served for 12 remarkable years as the Mormon Volunteer Chaplain at the Folsom State Prison, where he ministered to inmates with compassion and Christlike love. He described this service as one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

Wendell was generous with his time, money and resources and always looking for opportunities to help those less fortunate. He had a tender heart, and his kindness to others (including many anonymous kindnesses) defined him.

Wendell’s hobbies included photography, family history, stamp collecting, trains, and the outdoors. He never lost the boyhood joy he found in fishing, shooting, hunting and exploring the mountains. He was a wonderful teacher and leader and led by example in all things.

In 2010, Wendell and Kay returned to Utah to be closer to family and to care for Kay’s mother. Wendell faced the challenges of aging with humility, gratitude, and faith. The passing of his beloved Kay in February 2025 left a hole in his heart, and he longed to be reunited with her. In addition to his eternal companion, Wendell was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Connie. Those who loved Wendell find peace knowing that he is now together again with his beloved Kay and his many family members whom he knew so well from his extensive family history work.

Wendell’s life was one of devotion—to God, to family, to duty, and to the quiet goodness that leaves a lasting mark on generations. His children and grandchildren will forever remember him for his faith, his steadiness, his gratitude for all of his blessings, and the love he freely offered.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Larkin Mortuary - Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to services beginning at 9:00AM. Interment will follow at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah. Funeral services will be streamed and recorded via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click on the "Watch Services" link above.

In lieu of flowers, Wendell hoped that you would find someone in need and do something to make their Christmas a little brighter this year.