Wilbern Lee McDougal

Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Wilbern Lee McDougal, died December 9, 2019 at the age of 80. He was a mighty man of conviction, determination and commitment to his family,  faith in Jesus Christ, service and country. His passing capped a marvelous sojourn through life accompanied by his dear spouse Charlotte and his family members and friends. Although he experienced the effects of polio at a young age and walked with a brace throughout his life and in later years  faced health challenges, he confronted trials with courage, dignity and a positive attitude. He greeted everyone with a firm handshake. His smile became his signature trademark no matter the circumstances he faced.

He was born August 18, 1939 in Campbellsport, Wisconsin to Edmund Lee and LaRae Johnson McDougal. The family later moved to West Jordan, Utah where he graduated from Jordan High School and played trumpet in the high school band and attended Boys Nation. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor degree in Political Science and Business.

He married the love of his life, Charlotte Kofford, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 6, 1963. Together they raised four children. He loved coaching sports and supported his children in their various roles and pursuits. As grandchildren came along, he gave of himself as he spent time bouncing them on his lap, pushing them on a swing or giving them a ride as he drove a tractor around the yard.

He founded McDougal Realtors and Mountain View Construction to start his career and too great satisfaction building relationships and helping young families move into new homes. For many years, McDougal was one of the largest home builders in Utah and the Company’s developments and homes dot the West side of the Salt Lake Valley. He regularly greeted colleagues with the words, “Are you ready for a big day?” and almost every conversation ended with the words “Success to you” and he meant it.

He found great satisfaction in serving with others as President of the Salt Lake and Utah Board of Realtors, President of the Home Builders Association and President of the local chapter of Rotary International. He also served on various hospital, building and community boards. He especially enjoyed his time as Utah Republican National Committeeman during the Reagan and Bush presidencies.

As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he loved to share the Gospel and served wherever he was called. Although some suggested his Polio and leg brace would prevent him from performing the rigorous demands of missionary work, he proved them wrong and served as a missionary in the Northwestern States Mission from 1959-60. He later served his Church and Savior as Branch President, Bishop, and as a Counselor in the Stake Presidency. He accepted a call and put his career on hold to serve as President of the Arizona Phoenix Mission from 1990-93. He loved his fellow missionaries.

Wilbern is preceded in death by his mother, LaRea Johnson; and his father, Edmund Lee McDougal; and brother Dennis McDougal.

Wilbern is survived by his wife Charlotte Kofford McDougal; his children Julie (Jay) Barrus,  Jana (Darryl) Clukey, Wilbern McDougal Jr., Wesley (Amanda) McDougal; siblings: Carmi,  Vaughn (Raelynn) McDougal, Craig (Sherrie) McDougal, Karen (Edward) Archibald and   Gaylene Mathews.

The McDougal Family thanks all their friends and family members for their love and support as well as the exceptional staff and hospice care at Carrington Court Assisted Living.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 14^th at 12 Noon, at Garden Cove Wardhouse, 1945 West 9000 South with a viewing one hour prior  to the services. There will also be a viewing on Friday evening December 13th from 6-8:00 pm at the church. Interment, West Jordan City Cemetery. Services under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home. 

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Wilbern Lee McDougal, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.