June 8, 1919 — June 25, 2016
Gaylord Julius Monson completed his life of service and love when he passed away June 25, 2016, at the Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah.
Born June 8, 1919, in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, to George and Nettie Mae Monson, he practiced the virtues of hard work, love, and service working the mines and family farm with his 10 brothers and sisters. He eventually moved to Southern California and was employed at Douglas Aircraft.
During World War II, he served in Iran, Pakistan, and India as an airplane mechanic/instructor and also served in the Navy. He married Lea Fisk Howard November 17, 1944, “the best wife a man could have.” After the war, he returned to Douglas Aircraft. He eventually worked for the City of Inglewood as Supervisor of the Department of Traffic Signs and Parking until his retirement in July 1986.
Gayl’s personality was youthful, always exuding a positive attitude: “Just the way we like it!” He was wonderful at figuring how to fix things, had an avid interest in history books and historical objects, and recited poems he had memorized in his youth.
Never expecting recognition, Gayl did countless, quiet acts of loving service to family and strangers, especially unconditionally loving each person in his immediate and extended family. He fully supported his wife Lea in her many church callings for nearly 65 years.
He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served as he was asked. A man of integrity and a disciple of Jesus Christ, Gayl was an example of faith and purity of spirit. He trusted and had faith in “the good Lord, the Master.” We will miss him greatly, but we rejoice in his good life, express deep gratitude for knowing him, and look forward with hope to a joyful reunion with him and mom.
Gayl is survived by his children Julia Monson of St. George, Byron Monson of Los Angeles, and Wendy (Girard Patrick) Phillips of St. George. He is also survived by four grandchildren Brooke, Jay, Paul, and Mark, and five great-grandchildren Braylee, Shaylee, Roselyn, Benjamin, and Dylan.
He is preceded in death by his wife Lea, parents, brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services
- A celebration of Gayl’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the LDS Bloomington Stake Center, 200 W. Brigham Road in St. George.
- Family and friends may visit Friday, July 1, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and Saturday, July 2, 2016, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the LDS Bloomington Stake Center.
- Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.