Wilford Dimond Richards Jr.

West Jordan, Utah-

Wilford Dimond Richards Jr (Dee) was called back to heaven on July 21st, 2023, due to complications of cancer surrounded by his loved ones. Dee was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Wilford Dimond Richards Sr. and Nola Mary Bowler Richards on March 5th, 1947.

Dee graduated from Bingham high in 1965. He served a mission on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the northern States Mission. Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in history. He started working at the Family History Library in July of 1972. He always said that his work was more play. He loved it so much he played for 41 years. He married the love of his life, Elva Orel Anderson, on July 28th, 1972.

Dee loved to read, paint, and enjoyed heraldry. He was also accomplished in calligraphy. Dee was a kindhearted, gentle and caring soul who loved to serve the Lord. He held many calling in the church, his favorite being a primary teacher. He was always willing to talk about the gospel and how much it meant to him to know that he will have an eternal family in heaven.

Those that awaited his arrival to heaven are his parents, his grandson Austin Gerald Sims and son-in-law Geoff Lawrence. Dee was an amazing husband, brother, father and friend that will be missed by his wife of 51 years Elva Orel Richards, Brother Douglas (Bonnie) Richards, and his nine children Brenna (Chris) Chamberlain, Josh (Gloria) Richards, Audrey (Gene) Seal, Devon (Justin) Sims, Lynette (Mark) Sodja, Joseph (Malynda) Richards, Eden Lawrence, Emma (Kaleb) Thiemann, and James (Kaci) Richards, also 24 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on July 31st, 2023. Viewing at 10:00 am to 11:45 funeral from 12:00 PM at West Jordan 66th ward building located at 7511 S 2700 W West Jordan UT, 84084. Grave side service will be at West Jordan Cemetery located on the corner of 7800 S 1300 W at 1:30 PM.