Wendell Turner Holmes

1935~2023

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Wendell Turner Holmes, 87, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 23, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Minersville, Utah on September 27, 1935 to Harry Franklin Holmes, Sr. and Bertha Alice Gray. He joined his 6 siblings: Robert Gray (Bob), Charlotte Jane, William Thomas (Bill), Harry Franklin, Jr. (Frank), Mildred Genevieve (Millie), and Janet Myrtle to complete the “Lucky 7”.

His young childhood days were filled with chores like milking the cow and taking care of his horse. He loved his horse, Old Red. One 4th of July, he entered his horse in a race. He had his friend ride him since he was lighter. By darn, his horse won that race.

He graduated from Cedar High School where he was an outstanding athlete in basketball, football, and track & field. He won several medals at a BYU Invitational for the shot put and discus throw. He was an avid swimmer and life guard. He saved his sister-in-law, Leah (Robert), on a California beach where she was caught in an undertow and was being carried out to sea. He swam out and brought her back to shore. His high school buddies were Marlowe Imlay, Lamar Clark, and Gary Smith. They got into much mischief together.

For a time, he followed in his big brother’s (Frank) footsteps and became a barber. He always said Frank was the better barber. He attended the College of Southern Utah and the University of Utah where he majored in mathematics. He later became a computer programmer and worked for several companies: Hercules, Kennecott, Sperry Univac (later known as Unisys).

He married the beautiful, love of his life, Laurel Davis, of Delta, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on July 3, 1964. They met while Laurel was donating blood to his sister, Millie (who was also the wife of Laurel’s brother, McKay). They have been married 63 years.

They settled in Holladay, Utah and began a family. They were blessed with a daughter and a son, Barbara Jean and Matthew Turner. There were many happy memories there. Later, they built their forever home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah and moved their young family there, where more happy memories were made. Wendell and Laurel loved to go dancing. They went to beautiful dances. He dressed up in a suit & tie and she in elegant evening gowns. Many times you could find them dancing around the kitchen or outside on the patio. They loved to take weekend trips. One of Wendell’s favorites was driving to Wendover and eating at the buffets where he could crack all the crab legs he could eat.

He loved his wife and family, cookies, black raspberry ice cream, watermelon, U of U and BYU basketball and football games, wearing his Utes and Cougars baseball hats, the Jazz, and fishing.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings throughout his life. He loved his Savior and had a testimony of the gospel.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurel. Children: Barbara, Matthew and his wife, Susan. Grandchildren: Ashley Nicole & Brian Bolnick, Samantha Michelle & J.D. Davenport. Great Grandchildren: Oliver Jonathon Bolnick, Adeline Grace Bolnick, Eleanor Jane Bolnick, Isla Nicole Bolnick, John Turner Davenport, and many beloved nephews and nieces. He will be dearly missed.

A viewing will be held on Thursday July 6th, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery located at 3115 east 7800 South followed by a graveside service at 3:00 PM.