Howard B. Wakley

Malad….Howard B. Wakley, 90, longtime malad resident, passed away at home, peacefully in his sleep on Thursday July 9, 2009. He was born July 6, 1919 in Downey, Idaho, a son of John Willard and Cora Barnes Wakley. He was the 6th of eleven children. Howard attended school in Downey and spent his early years working on the family ranch and for other farmers in the area. He was inducted into the army in 1942, and was stationed in Knoxville, Kentucky. During basic training he sustained a knee injury and folllowing several months being hospitalized, was honorably discharged. On April 24, 1943 he married Thelma Daniels, his best friend and companion for 66 years. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. They spent their first summer of married life living on the “Big Onion”, where Howard was the range rider for the Marsh Valley Cattleman’s Association. That fall, they moved to Malad where they have since resided. Howard helped build the Oneida County airport, then worked at Crowther Brothers Milling Co. fro over 40 years. He was a “hobby farmer”, raising pigs, cows, sheep and a horse. Following his retirement, he spent numnerous years working at the Oneida Co. Fairgrounds, golfing, traveling and playing pool. He was always surrounded by family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, hunting and was an avid snowmobiler. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was involved in the scouting program and had served in numerous other positions. Howard is survived by his wife, Thelma of Malad; four children; Gary (Suzie) Wakley; Lynda Facer both of Malad; Janice Nelson of Meridian, Idaho; Mark (Bonnie) Wakley of Boise. 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters; Jeanette, Melva, Verna and Genavie and 5 brothers; Willford (Pete), Arley, Dean, Dale, Ben and Lamar. Funeral services will be held on Monday July 13, 2009 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS 6th Ward Chapel 400 N. 200 W. Friends may visit with the Wakley family this evening (Sunday July 12), from 6-8 pm at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N. and on Monday at the funeral home prior to services from 10:30-11:30 am. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery, with military ritesw by the Malad American Legion, post # 65.