Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Earl Topham, 82, died suddenly at his home of a heart attack on May 21, 1999 after an enjoyable day tending his garden.
Earl was born August 25, 1916, in Paragonah, Utah, the son of Asa Eugene and Emma Belle Morris Topham. After graduating from Parowan High School in 1934, he met the love of his life, Wilma Swapp, while on a US Mail run with his father to Kanab, Utah. They were married on September 9, 1935 in Kanab, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Earl worked for P.I.E. for 38 years as a long-distance truck driver, and was proud of achieving a Two Million Mile Safe Driving Award. He was an active member and High Priest in the L.D.S. Church. From 1947 until his death, Earl took great pleasure in transforming a barren acre of land in East Millcreek into a verdant landscape with a lovely home.His creed was daily productive work, his fund of knowledge on many subjects was immense, and during his life he became a master craftsman in antique furniture restoration, woodcarving, and fruit and vegetable gardening. He loved the earth and all its creatures, and was a conservationist, recycler and environmentalist long before the movements became popular.
Earl was a gentle, nurturing, ever-helpful man who enjoyed all aspects of life--whether playing games with his grandchildren, working on the antique clocks and furniture he loved, helping others build or fix something, singing along with a country western ballad, romping with his cat, or harvesting the vast array of fruits and vegetables from his garden. His family and friends will sorely miss his industriousness, thriftiness, curiosity, and loving, accepting manner. Due to his interest in people, generosity and non-judgmental nature, his enemies were none and his friends many. His passing leaves a great void in many lives.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma; children, Kent (Janet), Jeralynn (Dave) Winder, Barry (Trisha), Cheryl Sue (Ron) Whiteside, and Shane (Becky); 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Alma and Howard; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Viola.
Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday, May 27, 1999 at the Rosecrest First Ward (3101 S. 2300 E.). Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm at the Holbrook Mortuary (3251 S. 2300 E.) and at the church on Thursday from 10:45 to 11:45 am prior to services. Graveside services for family and friends and interment will be at noon on Friday, May 29, 1999 at the Paragonah Cemetery, Paragonah, Utah.
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