ValDee White Allred was born October 10, 1928 in Fairview, Wyoming to Elden Pratt and Amy Leola White Allred. He loved growing up in the beautiful Star Valley. Almost as soon as he could walk he could take the trail to Grandma Sarah Jane Rich’s home. Oh, how he loved her. When he was a teenager, he and his brothers raised foxes and mink. He also trapped and sold animal pelts. He loved the time on his horse, even though sometimes he had to travel through several feet of snow to make his rounds. He came from a very musical family, and Val did his part by playing the bass in the orchestra, playing the harmonica and had a beautiful singing voice. He often sang to and with his wife and family, especially on long car trips.
He met the love of his life, Genevieve Johns at Star Valley High School. He had his eye on her for a long time, but the first time they spoke was at the drug store. For years she didn’t know that he had intentionally planted himself there, waiting and hoping that she would notice him, which she did, and she flirtatiously teased him about not being able to read music. They fell in love and were married on June 23, 1950 in the Idaho Falls temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was the only girl he ever kissed!
Val was drafted into the Army and spent his tour during the Korean War in El Paso, Texas. After the army he went to school and graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He held several jobs all over the country, but the highlight of his career was working on the Apollo missions 4-14. He helped get the first man on the moon! He also worked for many years as a civilian Engineer for the United States Air Force.
Val was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions including; Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, several bishoprics (including once as Bishop) and as a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He was conscientious in whatever position he held and always fulfilled his duties with love. He had a testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ and was true to his religion.
Most importantly, he adored Genevieve, his wife of 68 years. If she ever needed anything, he was right there to help. They were blessed with six wonderful children, to whom they taught the gospel by example and love.
Val slipped peacefully beyond this mortal life in the wee hours of November 22nd, 2018, in his home in Mesa, Arizona. We trust there were many on the other side to joyously greet him, as he was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings (Morrell, Enid, Bryce, Garth, Kaye and Loa); one son, Keith; and a granddaughter, Angelica.
He is survived by his wife, Genevieve, and five of their children – Mark (Elaine), (daughter-in-law Joanna), David (Christine), Sheldon, Alecia (Joseph) and Stephanie (Eddie). He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Val was beloved by all!
His family would like to thank the Hospice Care nurses who took such good care of him this last year, along with his caregiver, Merriann Hughes, who is a blessing to all of us! Thanks to Mountain View Cemetery for handling the funeral, you have been wonderful!
The funeral will be held Saturday, December 1st at the LDS church building 1007 S. 72nd Street, Mesa. The viewing will be from 9:00am-9:45am and the funeral will be at 10:00. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa.