Gordon LeFevre

GORDON OTHO LeFEVRE

1932 ~ 2020

Gordon Otho LeFevre, born May 1, 1932, returned to his Father in Heaven, passing peacefully at his home on September 10, 2020. He was 88 years old.

He was born to Otho Orton LeFevre and Leah Elzina Beckstead in Spry, Utah in Luke Dalton LeFevre’s (Grandfather’s) house.  Gordon grew up on his father’s farm in Spry and attended school in Panguitch, graduating in 1950.  He was active in track and also played the trombone in his high school band.  He was a member of a dance band which played for most of the school dances and in other southern Utah towns.

Gordon gave up a scholarship to Utah State University to join the Navy with his good friend, Alma Wilcock. He served four years during the Korean War and was a Gunner’s Mate, third class, on the U.S.S. Philip and U.S.S. Shields (both destroyers).  Gordon’s youngest sister, Renee, was born in July 1951 while he was in the Navy. He didn’t get to meet her until his first leave, at which time he also met his future wife, Wilma Louise Sporleder.

He married Wilma in the Salt Lake Temple on April 22, 1955.  They lived in several communities in the Salt Lake Valley, welcoming their six children along the way.

Gordon worked at Kennecott Copper for 23 years.  He was a supervisor for 10 of those years in the Flotation Department.  In 1975, he left Kennecott and went to work for Reid’s Concrete Service (his cousin’s construction company), where he eventually retired.  Following his “formal” retirement, Gordon worked at a car wash part-time for a number of years.

Gordon, Wilma and the children shared a lot of fun experiences together.  They loved to go camping, fishing, hunting and boating.  They enjoyed the outdoors and taught the children to water ski with the family boat.

Gordon loved to take photographs and videos at all family get-togethers.  It was always fun to watch 8mm family movies on their reel to reel projector and he especially liked to bring out his old Navy movie reels.

Gordon was in bowling leagues while working at Kennecott and considered himself as “a little above average bowler” winning many trophies.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities.

After 39 years of marriage, Gordon and Wilma divorced on May 19, 1994.

Gordon re-kindled a friendship with an old friend, Sherreldene Vance, which turned into love and marriage.  They married on October 8, 1994 (eloped). Together they lived in West Jordan, Utah for many wonderful years. They loved to go camping – especially with Sherreldene’s children and their families and even went on a cruise. Their greatest enjoyment came from time they spent with family.

Gordon is survived by his children, Bryan G. (Diane) LeFevre, Steven O. (Helene) LeFevre, Sandra (Ricky) Butler, Susan (Steven) Casper, Kathie (Keith) Kelson, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Austin Byron LeFevre, sisters, Yalonda L. Hofeling and Renee L. Hunter; and Sherreldene’s children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherreldene; parents, Otho Orton and Leah Elzina LeFevre; brother, Sharon Dalton LeFevre; sister-in-law, Karen Lynne Jacobsen LeFevre; brother-in-law, Melvin Craig Hofeling; daughter, Elaine LeFevre Bigelow; and grandson, Joshua Andrew Bigelow.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Valley View Memorial Park (4400 W. 4100 S, West Valley City, Utah).