Dwain Thomas Southworth

Dwain T. Southworth

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Dwain Thomas Southworth, returned home with honor on Friday, October 4, 2019. He was born April 11, 1936 in Pocatello, Idaho to Chester Loyd and Vivian Mae Harris Southworth and was named Nolan. However, a few weeks after his birth, his mother answered the door to an obnoxious salesman named Nolan. Vivian was dismayed at his behavior so she crossed out Nolan on the birth certificate and wrote in "Dwain."

As a little boy, Dwain worked hard in the fields and milked many cows. He enjoyed tormenting his sisters continuously. He was always trying to be supportive and help his family in anyway he could. They may not have had a lot of money but they were rich in love.

Dwain went to school through the eleventh grade but dropped out to join the Navy in 1954. He completed his training in San Diego, California and sailed out to sea. He received his rank as Sr. Seaman in 1955. Dwain served during the Korean Conflict traveling to Japan, Hawaii, and the Marshall Islands. Known as Operation Red Wing, Dwain watched the nuclear bomb testing in the Marshall Islands from the bow of a carrier. He would come home as often as he could hitchhiking from California all the way back to Davis County, Utah. He later received his GED after he was discharged from military service.

Dwain married Nona Jean Norman in 1957. They were blessed with their daughter Kami Lynn; they later divorced.

Dwain met the love of his life, Carolyn Cottam, in 1971. They were married December 10 of that same year in which Carol brought two daughters and a son to the family. Dwain adopted Cara in 1975 but treated all his children as his own. Dwain and Carol were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden, Utah Temple in 1984. Over the course of his lifetime, all his children were sealed to him in the temple including Laureen who passed away as an infant.

Dwain worked in many different occupations. After the military, he worked as a ranch hand. Throughout his career, he was a construction worker, cab driver, and worked at a car transmission shop. He began his career at Hill Air Force Base as a security guard. He then worked in Warehouse Operations and as a plumber there. He loved working with his hands and being active. After he retired, he became a Water Master for Plain City, Utah.

Dwain was a great fisherman and hunter; he loved being outdoors as much as possible. He loved fishing mackinaw, his favorite spot being Bear Lake. He hunted elk and deer and fed everything he hunted to his family. He even attended school to learn to be a butcher so he could carve his own meat. He kept an immaculate garden full of fruits and vegetables. You could find Dwain camping with his family or friends almost every weekend at Bear Lake where he created many memories for his children.

Dwain was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many different callings, Scout Master being his favorite. He served two senior missions with his wife in Houston, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife also served in the Logan, Utah Temple for four years. He loved serving the Lord and those around him.

After retirement, Dwain and Carol traveled the world together vacationing throughout the United States and cruising through Australia, Alaska, New Zealand, Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. They loved traveling to Oregon and staying at their family cabin. During the later years, Dwain and Carol moved to Quartzsite, Arizona as snowbirds and made many lasting memories.

But above all, Dwain loved his family, consistently putting them first. He was blessed with many grandchildren who he adored and they adored him. He spent as much time with his grandchildren as he could by taking them to the swimming pool, four-wheeling, trips to the DI, and buying countless amounts of candy and ice cream at the town store. Grandpa was known for his funny but cheesy jokes, making hot chocolate in the mornings, and brushing the granddaughters’ hair when they came to visit. He supported every grandchild where he could whether it be in school programs, dance recitals, baptisms, or just a phone call. He taught his grandchildren many things including how to drive, mow the lawn, replace sprinkler heads, change tires, cook dinners especially spaghetti, budget money, and how to be a true disciple of Christ.

Dwain was a good listener and cared about everyone. He set a great example for his posterity of hard work and dedication. He was always willing to sit down to listen and be a shoulder to cry on. He was the most generous person giving everyone a drink, a meal, some gas money, or a word of advice. Dwain was quick to forgive and saw everyone as Heavenly Father does.

Dwain is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carolyn; children Shelly Eddington (Michael), Tracy L. Middleton (Patti), Kami Lynn Malan (Travis), Cara Steed; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters Dorothy Freeman, Laveda Price, and Ginger Shepherd. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Alta, Larene, Joann; brother Melvin; daughter Laureen and great-grandson Koen. He is lovingly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Westwood Ward, 2123 N. 2000 W., Farr West with a viewing prior from 9 to 10:40 a.m. Interment in the Norton Cemetery in McCammon, Idaho at 3 p.m.

Special thanks to Applegate Hospice especially Wes, nurse Suzy and Tambi.

Memorial donations may be made to LDS Charities.

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