Nov. 12, 1931-Aug. 5, 2022
DeVar L Beatty, 90, born to Wallace L Beatty and Cleo Davis on Nov. 12, 1931, passed through the veil early on Aug. 5, 2022, into the open arms of our mother Dixie, who passed away only four months ago. They would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on Aug. 2, and he desperately missed her. The high school sweethearts were married in 1951 in the LDS Logan Temple.
DeVar grew up in Heber City, Utah, where he was very active in athletics at Wasatch High School and attended BYU for a short time. He and Dixie moved their growing family to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1954 where he found work with Home Lumber Company (later became Houston Lumber Company).
He spent his career with them and when he retired, he was a well-respected Architectural Hardware Consultant, managing a large division within the company. During his career, he worked on many of the hotels and other large commercial projects in Las Vegas and was sought out for his knowledge and integrity.
He was a do-it-yourself-man and enjoyed building his home in Las Vegas, two cabins in Pine Valley, Utah, and a beautiful home in Woodland Hills, Utah, where they resided after he retired. They relocated to St. George six years ago to be closer to family and left their his-and-her snow blowers behind. One of his special hobbies was woodworking. He made bowls, candleholders and other decorative objects out of the wood found on his forested property in Woodland Hills. He especially enjoyed making walking canes and he shared his canes with many friends and individuals who much appreciated his generosity.
He loved his large and growing family, and many Thanksgiving holidays were spent in their home. He loved his extended family and visiting with his siblings and cousins. He always made sure every family member received a birthday card and Christmas gift from him and Grandma. He enjoyed the regular family Sunday dinners in recent years held in children and grandchildren’s homes.
He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and served faithfully in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a bishop and as a patriarch in Las Vegas for many years. He and Dixie were blessed to serve in both the Las Vegas Temple and the Provo Temple for many years. They also served as senior missionaries in the Canada Halifax Mission where they spent their entire time serving the saints in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, 1995-96.
DeVar is survived by his daughters Dawna Lee Drake (Denny) of Santa Clara, Utah, and Diane DeLaPaz (Kike) of Las Vegas, Nevada; sons Ken Beatty (Peggy) of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Mark Beatty (Shannan) of St. George, Utah, his brother Lynn Beatty of Henderson, Nevada, and sister Gaye Riddle of Henderson, Nevada.
DeVar was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean Larson.
DeVar is grandfather to 17 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 43, and when spouses are added, his family count now is 83 who will miss his counsel, humor and example of goodness.
A viewing will be held at the Shadow Mtn. Chapel, 124 N Valley View, St. George, Utah, on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Funeral services will follow at noon.
Graveside services will be held on Monday Aug. 15, at the Heber City, Utah, Cemetery at noon.
The family would like to thank Dixie Hospice and Spring Gardens Senior Living for their compassion and kind service on Dad’s behalf.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the services in person are invited to click here to view them virtually.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign DeVar’s online guest book.