Verl Dale Heward was born September 28, 1933 to John Edwin and Hazel Turley Heward. He was the youngest of twelve children and spent his early years in Northern Arizona where his family lived in the small town of Woodruff. When he was a young teen his parents moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he saw Jeannine Hanson for the first time.
After High School Dale got a job at Hill Air Force base and saved money to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to the Central States Mission where he served under President Alvin R. Dyer. He served most of his mission in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
Jeannine wrote to him while he was away and when he returned, they were soon engaged. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 18th, 1956. Dale was drafted into the Army and reported to Fort Ord, California on June 28th 1956. They honeymooned at Disneyland, the California coast, and Lake Tahoe, and then Dale was off to the Army. Jeannine’s parents helped her move to California to be close to Dale. They lived in a trailer park in a small trailer for a couple of years. Their first son, Randy, was born there.
After military duty, they moved back to Salt Lake City. Dale worked at a stereo store, as a milkman for Highland Dairy, as a realtor for Century 21, as a facilities manager over 22 church buildings, and as a school bus driver.
Dale served in many callings in the church and was a faithful member throughout his life. Some of his favorite callings were serving in bishoprics in the Butler 7th ward and Butler 11th ward, and as a scout master for many years and with many young men. He and Jeannine served a mission to the Utah State Prison assisting in church services each week. Dale also enjoyed serving in Church Employment Services. He was a block captain for the ward emergency preparedness effort and his weekly Thursday evening check-in was part of his routine.
Dale and Jeannine’s family continued to grow over the years. Randy, the first born was joined by Cheri, Stacy, Tim, Kristine, Spencer, and James. From that core family, Dale and Jeannine’s family has grown to 110.
The Heward family wishes to thank all the kind and compassionate people who served and cared for Dale in his final months, namely Enhabit Home Health & Hospice and the medical staff at the Salt Lake City V.A. Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Friday October 13, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Butler 20th Ward located at 1355 E 7200 S. A short viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 am.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED service via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/gm92APpTpL_72tMorj6O55OvzdAJQT4__ylvWbjZeL_HmyW-tqTHPRtAZwTfHRSB.MvIGDBWnJ-0HXhoX?startTime=1697214844000
Dear family of Dale. I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to your family that you will find peace and comfort in knowing that Dale & Jeanine can now be together. I loved them both and revere and honor the good people they are and the wonderful memories we have had in Butler 20th ward. I am watching the service on zoom. Love & hugs to you all. Carol 💕
I am so sorry that I missed this announcement. I would have been there. The Hewards were such good friends. And their children were wonderful also. We had good times together. He will be missed.