Ben Wakley, longtime Malad resident died Monday, October 1 at his home of apparent heart failure.
He was born June 2,1929 in Downey, Idaho, the son of John Willard and Cora Barnes Wakley.
He grew up and was educated in the Downey area and worked on the family farm. He worked several years for Hess Construction.
He married LaNae Estep December 9, 1960, in Pocatello, Idaho. The marriage was later solemnized April 16, 1965 in the Logan LDS Temple.
He had worked for LeGrande Johnson Construction and had driven truck for different businesses. He had also driven a bus for CECOG and at the time of his death had been working for Oneida County.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and presently held the office of Elder. He had also been the Young Married’s Leader in the Fifth Ward.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.
He is survived by his wife, LaNae, of Malad; two sons, James L., of Idaho Falls, John B. of Malad; four daughters, Mrs. Timothy (Sheila) Kent of Idaho Falls, Mrs. Kelly (DeeLane) Purdum, Malad, Mrs. Lynn (Karla) Backus, Clinton, Utah, and Mrs. Doug (Lisa) O’Brien of Layton, Utah; 15 grandchildren; three brothers, Wilford (Pete) of Malad, Arley of Lava Hot Springs, Howard of Malad; three sisters, Mrs. Verna Stuart, Idaho Falls, Mrs. Melva Topance, Salt Lake City, Utah,
and Mrs. Tom (Genavie) Colton of Malad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, one , son and one granddaughter.