Francis LeeRoy DeForest, 94, passed away December 18, 2018. Born January 3, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Dwight and Racheal DeForest. Frank, as he was known to all, was a warm and loving man.
He lived a long and full life with many great experiences. He joined the Army Air Corps at 18 years of age and proudly served his country during WWII. He often shared memories of his time working on airplanes and was especially proud of his work on the Enola Gay.
Frank received an honorable discharge in 1948. When Frank returned home he immediately went to work for Salt Lake City Corporation. During his thirty-plus years with the city he held many positions.
Frank met and married his first wife, Beverly Jean Hepting, the mother of his eight children. Frank loved the outdoors and spent every summer camping and fishing with his family at Diamond Fork Canyon. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, working on cars, hunting, and gardening.
Frank was known as the neighborhood dad and could often be found playing baseball in the field across the street, pulling sleighs full of children with his car, and leading the ‘bunny hop’ at daddy daughter dances. He was full of love and made everyone feel special. No one was more special to Frank than his beloved wife of 36 years, Madge Nielson.
Frank and Madge met and became the best of friends. Soon divine intervention led to the love and devotion they have for one another. Frank has said many times that Madge saved his life and he knew the Lord brought them together.
They were married July 17, 1982 in Midvale, Utah. This union added three more children whom Frank loved as much as his own. Frank and Madge often took road trips, sharing their love and laughter along the way.
Soon after they were married they accepted Jesus Christ into their life. Everyone that knows them knows that they love each other but their love for the Lord is first and foremost. They enjoyed sharing this love for the Lord with others and did so by collecting donations for area shelters, preparing and serving food to the homeless, and spending summers cooking at Royal Family Children’s Camp.
Everything in their life is centered around Jesus Christ, our Savior. We know that Frank is now wrapped in the arms of our Lord. We love him and miss him here but we find peace and comfort knowing that we will be with him again.
Frank leaves behind his wife, Madge; 8 children, Linda Gibson, Bud (Carrie) DeForest, Mick (Vicki) DeForest, Ray (Donna) Cooper, Toni (Tom) Lopez, Laurie (Chris) Morrow, George (Ann) DeForest and Darrell DeForest; his sister, Mary Phillips; forty-two grandchildren; fifty-six great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers George and Duke DeForest; sister Bonnie Johnson; son Bill Cooper; infant daughters Etta Carlene and Sherry Ann DeForest; son-in-law Mike Gibson; and daughter-in-law Raylene DeForest. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Christian Assembly located at 300 East 80th South, Midvale, Utah.
Viewing for friends and family will be held 1 hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite charity.
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