Wallace Bassett Gatrell
25 January 1921 – 13 December 2022
Wallace Bassett Gatrell of Farmington, Utah, died peacefully 13 December 2022 at Barton Creek Assisted Living in Bountiful. His son, Garth, was there caring for him.
He was born in Salt Lake City 25 January 1921, the first child of Cyrus Grosvenor Gatrell and Lois Knight Bassett Gatrell. He grew up at 749 Green Street with his younger brother, Gordon. He attended West High School, where he enrolled in Junior ROTC. After graduating in June 1938, he joined the Utah National Guard. That Fall, he started at the University of Utah, and joined ROTC. His college was interrupted in March 1941, when his National Guard unit was called to active duty. Except for a brief gap after World War II, he was in the Army until 1972. He served as a cadet, enlisted soldier, warrant officer, and commissioned officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He spent over 20 years in the Artillery, beginning with 75 mm howitzers and finishing with nuclear-capable Honest John rockets. He then spent more than 10 years in the Finance Corps. His military service began during the lead-up to World War II, and continued during the War itself, the Korean War, and into the Cold War. His decorations included the Silver Star, two awards of the Bronze Star with “V” device, and the Purple Heart.
He married Ruth Josephine Barton 18 July 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were together 72 years, and were blessed with 8 children: Shawna Dortzbach (Jack), Kaysville, UT; Cloyd (Kathryn), Carlisle, PA; Arn, deceased (Venita), Salt Lake City, Garth (Cheri); Layton, UT; Aleta Grandy (Paul), Midland, TX; Tammy Van Tassell (Gene), Salt Lake City; Lance (Laurie), Castle Rock, CO; and Quinn (Jenny), Farmington, UT. The family lived in several States, the Territory of Alaska, Japan, and Germany, before settling in Farmington.
He received an Accounting degree from the University of Utah, and a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Richmond. After the military, he worked 25 years as a Budget Officer with the Utah Bureau of Finance, then served a Member Locator Service Mission 20 years with his wife.
His greatest joy was that all 8 children were sealed in the House of the Lord and remained active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived and loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also loved his family, which grew to include 45 grandchildren and 108 great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be 20 January 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, UT. Funeral services will be 21 January at 11:30 am in the Rock Church, 272 North Main Street, Farmington, UT, preceded by additional viewing at 10:00 am, and followed by burial with military honors in the Farmington City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the American Red Cross (which held a special place in his heart for their help after his wounding in Korea) or to a charity that helps veterans. The Russon Mortuary web page has more details of his life.