Vernon Monroe Wilson

Vernon Monroe Wilson, known affectionately to his closest friends and family as
“Butch”, traded local fishing rivers for the perfect, calm waters of Heaven on
Sunday October 4, 2026.

Born on November 18, 1939, Dad lived life by a beautiful, authentic code.
Growing up in St. David, AZ, surrounded by numerous uncles, aunts and
cousins, his love for family ran deep and he took great care to stay close with
them through his entire life. Dad firmly believed that a good pair of cowboy boots
and his trusted cowboy hat were proper attire for any occasion; at a formal event,
on a fishing boat, or propped up in his recliner. Church was the only good reason
to remove the hat.

As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dad
served a 2-year Mission from 1959-1961 in what was then the Southern States
Mission. He continued to serve in many church callings throughout his life, but
most of all loved serving those around him. He enjoyed church gatherings of any
kind and was one heck of a church basketball and softball player.

On November 17, 1962, Dad was sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple to the love
of his life and best friend, our beautiful mother Shirley. They shared an inspiring
64 years of marriage embarking on a lifetime of crazy adventures. Perhaps no
adventure more legendary (or crazy) than their move from Alaska. Packing 6 kids
into an R.V., they set off for three months, driving the dirt road of the Al-Can
Highway then to Arizona, Louisiana and finally landing in Idaho. A great
testament to their shared sense of adventure and incredible patience.

After dad retired, he and mom continued their adventures serving five different
missions; the Church Employment Center in Heber Utah, Atlanta GA,
Washington State (Ensign Ranch), Independence MO, and Salt Lake Church
Headquarters. He and mom were dedicated to missionary work of every kind and
loved sharing the gospel.

He was a diehard BYU football fan. The fall season revolved around making sure
he was in his recliner for every BYU game kickoff. “Rise and shout the Cougars
are out” will forever be our rally cry. While we are heartbroken to lose him, we’re
sure he will now find a front-row seat to every single BYU Football game.

Dad was entirely fueled by Diet Coke, regularly reminding his children and
grandchildren, with a grin, that “water rusts your pipes.” Yet, alongside the humor,
he made sure we always carried something much deeper. Dad never missed an
opportunity to look each family member in the eye and give them his most
important piece of advice: “Remember who you are and what you stand for”.

Dad loved gathering his friends and family together to play games. Whether
playing Charades (IYKYK), Canasta, “Oh Hell”, or Nertz, he was a formidable
competitor. Dad loved the laughter, the lighthearted “trash talking”, and the pure
joy of playing games with those he loved the most.

He was a master fisherman, a patient teacher, a true cowboy, and the rock of our
family. Above all, he was a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, who taught
us all the importance of eternal families. Dad was welcomed into heaven by
those who preceded him in death; his parents, Reuben Monroe Wilson and
Margaret Annie (Tilton) Wilson; sisters, Billie Jo (Wilson) Wyatt and Sharon
“Pete” (Wilson) White; granddaughter, Jessica Stoddard and great grandson
Carson Bench. We know he is also joyously reuniting with other close friends,
past ancestors and future posterity.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, as well as his 7 children: LaDawn
(Sterling) Stoddard, LeAnne (Howard) Tolley, Lance (Peggy) Wilson, Scott
(Maria) Wilson, Geoff (Ricquelle) Wilson, Lindsay (David) Smith, and Jason
(Amber) Wilson. His incredible legacy also includes 29 Grandchildren and 41
Great Grandchildren, all of whom he loved fiercely.

We will miss the sound of his boots on the floor, hearing his kids yell “Hey
Butch!”- just to get his attention when he didn’t respond to “Hey Dad!”, and the
irreplaceable laughter and love that he brought to every gathering. We take
comfort in knowing that heaven’s rivers are fully stocked, the Cougars are always
winning, and the Diet Coke is always ice cold. Love you forever, daddy.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel 640 W Patton Street, St.
David, Arizona. Flowers and condolences may be sent in care of Shirley Wilson,
52 East Golden Bell Road, St. David, Arizona, 85630