Carmi McDougal

Carmi Donald McDougal, age 82, of West Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home on November 16, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.  He was born to Edmund Lee McDougal and Florence LaRea McDougal in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, on February 14, 1941.  He is the second of 7 children: Wilbern (Charlotte), Dennis (Pauline), Karen (Edward), Vaughn (Raelynn), Craig (Sherrie), and Gaylene.

He married his sweetheart, Judy Dora Parker McDougal, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 3, 1966.  They enjoyed 44 years of marriage together before she was called home in 2010.  They are the proud parents of 7 children: Brent (Nancy), Troy (Marie), Ronald (Faith), Sandra (Joseph Monson), Larry (Annette), Cheri (Ryan Soulier), and Randall (Jaquinette).  They have 33 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way.

Carmi grew up in West Jordan, working on his family dairy farm taking care of 400+ dairy cows, milking morning and night. He had many happy memories working with his family on the farm.

He became the first recipient of the Duty to God Award in his ward and thereafter became one of the first Eagle Scouts in West Jordan in over thirty years.  This great lesson taught him the principle of perseverance, which was deeply impressed into his heart.  It has often helped him in being patient and realizing that the good things in life take time and require continuous diligent labor.

Carmi served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Germany West Mission from 1961-1964, where he formed lasting friendships and memories, which he fondly shared with his family and friends. He loved the gospel and frequently shared testimony with those around him.  He found great joy in encouraging others, especially his family, to always follow the Savior.

He later attended both USU and BYU earning his BA in Accounting with minors in Business Management, Aerospace Technologies, and German in May 1966.  He also graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant from the BYU ROTC in the United States Air Force in 1966. 

Carmi and Judy embraced the principle of work and actively sought opportunities to teach this principle to their children.  In addition to building their West Jordan home together, they used opportunities created by their owning several rental homes, and a successful wedding catering business to allow their children opportunities to see the value of hard work and determination.  He also served his community through service on the West Jordan City Planning Committee and as President of the Brown’s Meadow irrigation board.

Carmi started his Air Force active-duty military career in May 1966 as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Chanute and McCord Air Force bases.  During Vietnam, he served at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, where he kept C-133 and C-130’s ready to fly.

In 1972, he joined the Utah Air National Guard and served as the Quality Control Officer and Field Maintenance Officer for the C-124, KC-97L, C-97, and KC-135's. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his outstanding service and leadership. He retired as Lt. Colonel on December 31, 1989. 

He worked for Norbest, Inc. for 22 years in various capacities as he worked his way to General Manager, where he was nicknamed “Frugal McDougal”.  He then went on to work as an accountant for McDougal Funeral Home until his retirement.

Carmi had many hobbies that he passed on to his children including gardening, hiking, swimming, jogging, and traveling.  Many of his favorite places to travel to, were LDS historical church sites. 

His garden was often referred to as his kingdom on earth where he could go out and embrace the beauties of the earth. His garden was a safe haven for solving the world’s problems or if you needed to talk to him.  He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of work as he worked in the garden.  He loved to share his produce with friends and family.  

He found great joy in serving in his church callings.  As bishop of the West Jordan 4th Ward, he helped oversee fundraising and construction of a new chapel for over 900 ward members.  Other various callings included: high priest group leader, high councilman, financial clerk, YM’s specialist, ward missionary, and temple ordinance worker.  

He had an enduring love for attending the temple with his sweetheart and later his children and grandchildren.  He served as a temple ordinance worker in both the Jordan River and Oquirrh Mountain temples.

He is preceded in death by his sweetheart Judy, his parents Edmund and LaRea, and siblings: Wilbern, Charlotte, Dennis, and Gaylene. 

Memorial Services are provided by McDougal Funeral Home at 4330 South Redwood Road.

Viewing will be held Friday, November 24, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2901 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088.

Viewing at church prior to services from 9:00-10:45 a.m.