James Rulon Despain

James Rulon DeSpain, 81, passed away July 11, 2013. He was born March 3, 1932 in Elsinore, Utah to James Lavar and Vernice Alice Robinson DeSpain. He married Gaye Meacham, December 11, 1953 in Richfield. The marriage was solemnized in the Los Angeles LDS Temple, September 24, 1977.

Rulon was an Army veteran, having served during the Korean Conflict. After his return from the service, he was a member of the National Guard and was part of the firing detail with the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050.

He was an active member of the LDS Church, faithfully serving in many capacities, latest being the executive secretary for the Venice Ward.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with his family and repeatedly received "The Father of the Year" award for the past 59 years.

He is survived by his wife, Gaye of Venice; children, Debra (Pat) Cleer of Lovington, NM, Kevin (Lisa) DeSpain of Riverside, CA, Michele "Shelly" (Tom) Petty of Taylorsville, Michael (Julianne) DeSpain of Yucaipa, CA; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard "Dick" DeSpain of Magna.

Preceded him in death are his parents; brother, Gail DeSpain; sister-in-law, Karen.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Venice LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church in Venice on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Venice Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the V.F.W Sevier Post #5050 and the Utah Honor Guard.