Paul Wixom

Paul Walters Wixom, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, age 89, died of natural causes on March 12, 2023, at Avalon Care Center in Bountiful Utah with family by his side. Paul was born April 19, 1933, in Blackfoot, Idaho, the son of Franklin David Wixom and Zella Jane Walters Wixom. He was the youngest of nine children, three sons and six daughters.

Paul graduated from Burley High School in the class of 1954. Following graduation Paul was a farmer in Idaho. He met Kay Bennion in Salt Lake City, Utah, at a church dance. They were married on November 18, 1960 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Paul and Kay settled in Granger, Utah, where they worked and raised their two children. He was a member of the Salt Lake County Sherriff's Search and Rescue team for nearly two decades. Paul and Kay loved camping, fishing, and playing card games with Kay's parents Udell and Thelma Bennion. Paul worked for Granite School District as a heavy machine operator and retired in 1996 in order to stay home and take care of Kay. Kay passed away on April 19, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Paul met and married Shirley Richards of Magna, Utah, and moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 2001. Shirley was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and passed away after one year of marriage. Paul later married Shirley's dear friend, LaRae Herron, of Magna, Utah, in 2003. Paul and LaRae spent nine great years together. They served a mission in St. George, Utah for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and during their marriage were able to enjoy many vacations together. Paul was a caregiver whether it was the impact of age or the devastations of illness. During his life, he took good care of his parents, Kay's parents, Kay, Shirley, and LaRae.

Paul had funny quirky sayings like that he was 'blind in one eye and couldn't see out of the other'. He had a good attitude and would say, "All we can do, is the best we can, and that's all we can do". Paul also loved to say, "the best answer to your wife is - Yes, Dear". He was able to imitate the 'Donald Duck' voice to the delight of his grandchildren. Paul made friends everywhere he went. He loved people and was interested in them. Paul loved to make knitted hats for all of his friends, family and everyone he met. Paul loved Mountain Dew and shared with everyone. Paul spoke to each of his siblings every day on the phone.

Paul was diagnosed with a severe muscle disease in February, 2014, and was admitted to Avalon Care Center in Bountiful, Utah. Paul was the Resident President, he participated in many activities such as bingo, puzzles and was an active member of the Avalon Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ. Everyone at Avalon -- residents, staff, and visitors -- knew and loved Paul. The family would like to thank Avalon Care Center, Bristle Hospice and the Church of Jesus Christ Avalon Branch.

Paul is survived by his children: Pauline (Bob) Bair, Steven (Carrie) Wixom; grandchildren: Jon (Kimly) Bair, Brittany (Jeremy) Zeigler, Zachary (Aubrie) Bair, Jessica (Taylor) Combs, Sara (Tui) Jameson, Nate Wixom; great grandchildren: Lukas Bair, Skyler Bair, Beckett Zeigler, Emma Zeigler, Ava Zeigler, Ivy Combs; siblings: Marjorie Larsen, Helen Ivie and Verna Dean King; Kay's siblings: Don (Marlene) Bennion; Dixie (Jim) Jones; LaVel (Larry) Covington.

Paul was preceded in death by his loving parents; five siblings, Don, Clyde, Marion, Elna, Ada; and grandson, Austin Wixom.

A viewing will be held, Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 6-8pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. On Friday, March 17, 2023, services at Canyon Rim Stake Center, 3051 S 2900 E, Salt Lake City Utah: viewing from 11-11:45am and funeral 12-1pm. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.