Wendall James Downward

Wendall James Downward

September 3, 1936 - December 29, 2024

Wendall, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, in St. George, Utah following a brief battle with pneumonia. He was born on September 3, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah to James Peter Downward and LeVerne Isabel Kenner Downward.

He grew up in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake where he graduated from South High School. At the age of 17, Wendall joined the Navy, embarking on a life of adventure and service. In October, 1954 he was married to Patricia Carrol Pritchett. Together they had two children, Heidi (Downward) Seidel and Terry D. Downward. As a Navy family, they traveled extensively, living in San Diego, California, Japan, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Turkey and the Island of Cyprus. They divorced in April of 1965.

On September 17, 1965, Wendall married Connie Myrle Lunt, of Salt Lake City, Utah his high school sweetheart, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and together they had three children: James R. Downward, Richard E. "Rabbit" Downward and Christena M. Downward. After the Navy he worked for the Chula Vista, California Police as a mounted patrol officer while he also served in the Navy Reserves. After moving back to the Granger, Utah area he went to work for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Dept. where he ran the West side patrol and started several special operations units. He joined the Army National Guard where he was the Supply Sergeant. 

He ventured out to Cedar City, Utah where he and Connie purchased a motel with the only indoor heated swimming pool in the city. He became a Justice of the Peace in Enoch, Utah. Life took him back to the West Jordan, Utah area where he went to work at the AMF unit in the Post Office. After retiring, Connie and Wendall enjoyed traveling in their motorhome including to their property in San Felipe, BC where he also ran a local eatery. After Connie had passed, Wendall resided in West Jordan until he moved to St George, Utah in 2009 enjoying the last years of his life.

Wendall lived a full and remarkable life, marked by diverse experiences and accomplishments. He was deeply involved in scouting, earning his Eagle Scout award as well as the prestigious Silver Beaver award. He was also very passionate about sharing the true story of the Navajo people, often teaching at schools and events around the world including in Japan and Cyprus. He was a man of many talents, a gourmet chef, a pool tournament organizer and owner, a skilled bowler trained by a professional. He was a gifted singer and offered a recording contract in his youth. 

He always had many types of animals that he raised and cared for, such as horses, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, dogs, cats, basically any type of farm animal that you can imagine. He even had a Scarlett Macaw.

Wendall served in the Navy as a CT, he is a Veteran of the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Cold War (which he was awarded a special medal from the State of Utah). Wendall was very proud of his dedication and service in the military, Sheriff's Department patrol as well as Mounted Posse Patrol for Chula Vista and Salt Lake County. He was honored to be able to participate in the 48th Utah Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. where he was able to tour several of the country's Veteran Memorials including Arlington National Cemetery.

Wendall's charming charisma touched lives in such a positive way, that he was always remembered for his great outlook on life. Never a negative thought or word to or about anyone.

Wendall was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Russel Frank Downward, Donald Alan Downward and his wife Connie. He is survived by brother Roger Lee Downward,  (5 children) sons; Terry, James, Richard "Rabbit" and daughters; Heidi and Christena, 23 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren and 5 great-great Grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held in St. George, Utah on Wednesday January 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at his LDS Chapel, 628 So. 3000 E. (Sandia Rd), St George, UT.

A public viewing will be held in Sandy, Utah on Friday January 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 So., Sandy, Utah 84092

Services to be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at, 1950 E. 10600 So., Sandy, Utah 84092 with a public viewing on Saturday January 11, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am with services starting at 11:00 am.

Graveside Interment with Military Honors will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of Flowers, Donations may be sent to:                

Washington City Animal Control

95 E. Industrial Road, Washington, UT 84780 www.washingtoncity.org