A kind, gentle soul has passed from our sight, but not from our hearts.
Joe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away September 15, 2002.
He was born February 17, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joseph Jensen Fenton and Florence Leone Ingham Fenton. On July 19, 1941, he married his high school sweetheart, Beulah "Boots" Boden in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They have shared 61 loving years together.
He graduated from South High in 1938 and then returned as a postgraduate the following year. He then attended the University of Utah.
Joe began service in the army during World War II in the 943rd Field Artillery Battalion under 3rd Army General George Patton in the European Theater for three years. He was awarded three major battle stars, which included the Battle of the Bulge, and the Verdun Medal. His outfit landed on Utah Beach in Normandy and engaged with the enemy through France, Luxemburg, Germany, and Austria. He participated in the liberation of
Dachau.
In 1945, after arriving home, he worked for the Salt Lake County Surveyor for a year and then began working for the Salt Lake City Engineering Department. In 1955, he was appointed Office Engineer, later appointed Assistant City Engineer, and in 1967 appointed the Salt Lake City Engineer, serving for 10 years in this position.
In 1977, he was asked to organize a waste water department for Salt Lake City and was able to take it from the general fund and organize it as a public utility where it would be self-sufficient. The project was very successful and received state and national awards. During his 40- year tenure with Salt Lake City Corporation, he served in the Engineering and Public Utilities Department.
He served on more than 25 boards and committees. He was a Trustee for the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District for 24 years, President of Salt Lake City Employees Association for four years, Board of Directors of Salt Lake City Employees Association for six years; chairman and member of Municipal League City Streets Committee, Airport Advisory Board, and many others.
As a faithful member of the LDS Church, he served eight years as a loving, compassionate, and sensitive bishop, and also served in many other church callings. He also was a temple ordinance worker with Boots.
He is survived by his dearly loved wife; six wonderful children and their spouses: Joseph R. (Sarah), Stephen C. (Kathy), James A. (Joyce), Anthony D. (Jeanne), Mary Karren (Alan), and Michael T. (Kathleen). He is also blessed with 30 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by brother, Dale F. Fenton (Helen); sister, Lois Jane Wetherell (Richard); brother-in-law, Gale Boden (Glenna); sister-in-law, Maxine Farmer; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 at 12 noon at the Valley View Chapel, 1985 E. 3900 So. A viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Drive, and at the church on Friday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.