Erlon Searight Putnam

Erlon Searight Putnam, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away peacefully July 15, 2016. Erlon was born September 15, 1918 to Euvern Frank and Ruth Alice Searight Putnam, the oldest of twelve children. Erlon grew up working on his family farm. He herded sheep cad cattle, milked cows and developed deep love for horses, a love that was passed on to his children. Erlon also learned was love and knowledge of music. He, and his family, were all blessed with beautiful singing voices, and the ability to harmonize. The Putnam Family performed at many gatherings during their lives. On September 24, 1948, Erlon married the beautiful love of his life, Mary Harmon, from Fairview, Wyoming in the Logan Temple. Erlon and Mary were married for 67 years. They have seven children: Mary Beth (Randy) Pace, Karla (Chris) Fillmore, E. Charles (Chris) Putnam, Kristine (Kyle) Holdaway, Lynda (Scott) Tucker, Leron (Kimberly) Putnam and Beverly Putnam, 38 grandchildren and 87 great-grandchildren. At the age of 22, Erlon was drafted into U.S. Army. He was inducted on August 27, 1941, which happened to be his brother's birthday. He drove trucks transporting the horses and supplies for the Cavalry. Later, the Army changed from Cavalry to Mechanical units and he continued to transport supplies. His first assignment was in Europe by way of France. He learned quickly that he did not enjoy traveling on the ocean and suffered from severe seasickness. On May 8, 1945, when the surrender of Germany was declared, Erlon was serving in Austria. His unit was ready to join the soldiers on the front lines in Germany the morning the announcement came that Germany had surrendered. Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945 ND World War II was declared over. Erlon was sent back to the United States and was discharged on December 5, 1945 from Camp Beale, California. Erlon was privileged to be selected to participate in an Honor Flight in October 2014. This was a very special experience where he, along with other Veterans, was able to reflect at the World War II Memorial. Erlon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in several capacities, one of which was Home Teacher, a calling he dearly loved. He is a great example of how a father loves, cares and leads a family. He will be greatly missed by all who know him. Erlon was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Nord, Gerald and Euvern Jr. (Bun), and four sisters; Elaine, Nora, Corinne and Joan. A viewing will be held Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hunter 20th Ward Building located at 7035 W. Lochness Avenue (3605 S.), with a viewing prior from 9:30 - 10:40 a.m. Internment at Valley View Memorial Park 4335 W. 4100 S.