Dear Relatives

JOSEPH FAY VAN WAGONER

Joseph Fay Van Wagoner---son of Joseph Van Wagoner and Edith Bronson-Born in Midway, Utah. Attended Midway and Heber City schools. Married Marie Allen and except for a few years in Heber, has lived his entire life in Midway, Utah. Has one son, Allen, of Salt Lake City, Utah. Active in Church and Civic affairs. He is presently serving as Town Trustee, a position to which he has been elected several times.

MARK ELROY VAN WAGONER

Mark Elroy Van Wagoner---son of Joseph Van Wagoner and Edith Bronson---Born in Midway, Utah. Attended Midway and Heber City schools, also Weber College and Brigham Young University. A musician, he played with an orchestra in California, later returning to Utah where he taught school in Uintah County. He married Owena Young and is the father of a son. He spent two years with the Army, stationed in London, England during World War II and upon returning home continued his teaching career. He is now employed in the Wasatach High School as a teacher of music, sociology and guidance and counseling. He served on the City Council from 1960 to 1964 and is again serving in that capacity. He is active in Church affairs, having served in both Stake and Ward in the Music Department. His son, Mark, is serving on a mission in Uruguay.

FERRIN DEAN VAN WAGONER

Ferrin Dean Van Wagoner---son of Joseph Van Wagoner and Edith Bronson---Born in Midway, Utah. Attended Midway and Heber City Schools, Weber College and Brigham Young University where he received his Doctor's degree in Education graduating with highest honors. Taught music in Uintah County schools where he later became principal. Married to the former Venice Moon, parents of six children: Annette Casper of Heber City, Gordon of American Fork, Kendall, Sherrilyn, Kerry and brett, all of Heber City, Utah. He taught at Wasatch High School and was principal there for a few years; has served as Superintendent of the Wasatch School District for the past 15 to 16 years. Dr. Van Wagoner is currently serving on several lState Committees working with various facets of the educational program. He has also been active in church work, teaching the Gospel Doctrine Class and conducting a Teacher Training Class and Special Child Development Courses.

SHIRLEY LOU TURNER DODSON

Shirley Lou Turner Dodson---Daughter of Martha Estella Van Wagoner and Rone A. Turner---Born in Provo, Utah. Attended Heber Schools where she was Salutatorian of the graduating class. Upon graduation, the family moved to California. Attended Santa Ana Junior College and Brigham Young University where she graduated with honors. Married Neil G. Dodson in February of 1957 and is the mother of four children: Mark Gene, Denise, Lyle Madison and Clark Bronson. Has been active in several Church positions: Stake MIA Gleaner Leader, Social Science and Theology Teacher in the Relief Society, and at present, is teaching in the Primary organization. Lived for several years in Santa Ana, California and is presently living in Salt Lake City, Utah.

BRENT R. TURNER

Brent R. Turner---son of Martha Estelle Van Wagoner and Rone A. Turner---Born in Heber City, Utah. Attended Heber and Santa Ana, California Schools, Santa Ana Junior College, and Brighham Young University. Married Dorothy Gish in 1959 and is the father of three children: Brenda Lee, Robert Brent, and Nolan Dean. All of Tustin, California. He has always been active in sports; playing in many trophies for his skills. He also excels in trap and target shooting. Worked as a counselor at Juvenile Hall in S.A. for approximately the past 8 years. He is presently in business for himself as owner and operator of a drive-in milk depot in Tustin, California.

DAVID FRANCIS VAN WAGONER

David Francis Van Wagoner was the son of John and Margaret Fausett Van Wagoner. He had five brothers and seven sisters. He was born the 17th of April 1886 in Midway, Wasatch County, Utah, where he lived all his life.

His boyhood was spent as most boys of that time, assisting his mother with the gardening, and many home chores. He attended the District School, but was unable to go farther, as there was no High School in Wasatch at that time. As he grew older he assisted his father and older brothers in making bricks.

Brother and Sister Van Wagoner were very loving and kind parents, taught their children to honor and obey them, to love the Lord and obey his commandments and honor the priesthood of God. David had a happy childhood, loving his parents and brothers and sister. He also had many boyhood friends.

At the age of eight he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. At age 12 he was ordained a Deacon and subsequently a teacher & priest. When 20 years old he was ordained an Elder, 12 November 1906 by Henry L. McMullen, Benjamin Hair was Ward Clerk. From then on he received his advancement in the Priesthood, attending to his various duties faithfully. At the time of death he was a member of the High Priest Quorum of Wasatch Stake.

Dave went to Kamas at 19 years of age with Henry Van Wagoner, his Uncle, to make brick. Here he and I met. After a short courtship we fell in love and were married in the Salt Lake Temple, 19 December 1906. We made our home in Midway. We had born to us two sons and four daughters. Our first daughter died soon after birth.

Dave went into the wholesale meat business. Teaming his meat to Park City over the dirt roads or covered with snow. He would leave home at 4 a.m. returning at 9 p.m. This work was more pleasant in summer.

During World War I he sold his dappley grey team, of which he was very proud, to the Army. They had to weigh so much and stand so many hands high. He received a very good price for them. This money was used to buy our first truck. On of the first in the valley.

He went out of his way to be honest. One instance, going down Provo Canyon, he purchased gasoline. Driving several miles he realized he'd been given a dollar over change. He quickly turned about to right the error, even though he'd been passed this was on his return trip. He always set this example for his children. Dave lived the Golden Rule implicitly.

His greatest pleasures were hunting deer and fishing. He also loved camping and picnics in our beautiful canyon among the pines and quaken asp. The large Van Wagoner family was very happy and congenial. Making several camping trips to Strawberry to fish.

David was assistant Sunday School Superintendent several years, in the Midway First Ward. Also when the church took over the dance hall in the Stake, Dave was appointed supervisor of the Midway Hall which was heavily mortgaged. He hired outside orchestras and though extensive advertising, drew crowds from all over. These were high class dances held weekly. Through his efforts the hall mortgage was cleared completely.

David was a kind and loving father and grandfather. An honorable man whom his children loved and respected. He was a very fine looking man - six feet tall, weighing over 200. He had large blue eyes, wavy snow white hair and well formed features. David loved people and he loved life. (written by his wife Celestia)