Wilbur Lennial Snelson

On Valentine's Day, surrounded by his loving family, Wilbur "Bish" Snelson peacefully returned to a loving Father in Heaven. He was born October 21, 1924 in Payson, UT, to Thomas and Margaret Snelson.

Growing up during the depression he learned to work hard, milking cows, gathering eggs and working at the local grocery store starting at age 13. Following high school he trained as an aircraft mechanic in Glendale, CA. He declined an offer from TransWorld Airlines to take a job at Hillfield to assist the war effort. Although his job exempted him from military service he enlisted with the Army Aircorp where he served as a flight instructor in B-25s and B-17s.

He attended Utah State University where he met his wife Bonnie Blackner. They were happily married for 68 years. He worked as a store manager for JC Penney Co. for 38 years serving in Payson, Preston, Pocatello, Milford and Springville where he worked for 28 years prior to retiring in 1984.

A member of the LDS church, he served in many positions including Bishop and President of the Stake Seventy's Quorum. He served a mission to Nauvoo with Bonnie. He was active in civic affairs serving as President of the Springville Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Kiwanis Club.

He played the trumpet and sang baritone in several musical groups. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with friends from the neighborhood. He especially enjoyed family reunions at Fish Lake and Bear Lake. He was one of the early supporters of building the Hobble Creek Golf Course and loved to play there. Despite the ravages of Parkinson's disease he managed to play a few holes on his 90th birthday.

The family would like to thank the staff at Reid's Park Place for their loving care and many hours of service.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Homer and Ronald and sisters Melba and Nelda. He is survived by sister Ruby, wife Bonnie, daughters Nedra (Kim) Bean, Jane Widdison, Jeanette (Gary) Herbert, Maureen (Terry) Reid, sons Clark (Stephanie) Snelson, Robert (Tanya) Snelson, 27 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Viewing will be held Wednesday from 6-8 at Wheeler Mortuary and from 9:30-10:30 at the church prior to the service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday February 19 at the Hobble Creek Stake Center, 555 South 600 East, Springville UT.