Niles Southam

June 1, 1920 ~ June 28, 2014 Niles Southam, age 94 passed away peacefully on June 28, 2014 at his home in Vernal, Utah. He was born on June 1, 1920 to George Henry and Isabell Herbert Southam, in Vernal, Utah, Uintah County. He was the last of 13 children to be born to this family. He went to school in Uintah County but did not finish the 11th grade due to family obligations; because of this education was very important for his family to have. Dad served in WWII from February 9, 1945 thru June 5, 1945, and was discharged honorably as a Private First Class. He always said, "he went in, in the Army and came out in the Air Force because he worked on the planes". Dad married Frances Pitt December 26, 1940 in Vernal, Utah. This marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple on December 11, 1950. To this union were born five children, Glade M. (Connie) Southam, Nila Kay (Clifford) Richards, Carol Rae (Fred) Hunting, Clifton (Jackie) Southam and Clayton (Jerile) Southam. Dad was a truck driver for Victor Wilkins, Grant Southam, Phil Martin, and several others. He would haul cattle and sheep or hay. He drove for Uintah School district for several years, making the trip from Vernal to Price for coal to heat the schools. He also delivered supplies to the different schools. He drove the Bonanza -Red Wash bus route for several years and all the kids became like family to him. Dad enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, being with his family in the mountains and on family reunions. He served in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; one he was really proud of was being a Scout Master. Dad is preceded in death by his loving wife Frances, his son Glade, granddaughter Deanna Richards,great granddaughter Averiana Morris his parents, and all of his siblings. He is survived by his children, 3e grand-children, 131 great-grand-children, 1 great-great-grand-son and several nieces, nephews and their families. Funeral Services will be held at the Uintah Stake Center (4080 South 2500 East) on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by the American Legion and Utah National Guard; Services are under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com