Robert Fordham

St. George, Utah - Our kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Robert Frei Fordham, age 88, died October 5, 2010 at his home in St. George. Bob was born November 25, 1922 in Santa Clara, Utah, a son of Carl Emil and Della Lena Frei Fordham. He graduated from Dixie High School, Class of 1938. He attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and received his BS Degree in Business Administration. Bob joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country during World War II, from 1942 to 1946, where he was a Corporal in the Paymaster Department. He married Shirley Lyda Okerlund of Loa, Utah, August 8, 1949 in Loa. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. Bob and Lyda lived in Utah until 1978, and then moved to California, where Bob worked as a Credit Manager for a heavy equipment manufactory. Lyda died May 30, 1981. Bob was an active member of the LDS Church, serving as Choir President, Secretary of the High Priest Quorum, Counselor in the Sunday School, Ward Mission Leader, Ward Financial Clerk and Employment Specialist. He was actively interested in politics, especially the Republican Party. He enjoyed golfing and gardening. Bob later married Joyce Lee Abreu, August 23, 1997 in Nephi, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the San Diego LDS Temple, December 8, 2000. Shortly after that, Bob and Joyce moved to St. George, Utah, where they have since resided. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of St. George; his children: Michael R. and Patty Fordham of Columbus, Ohio; Bruce K. and Michelle Fordham of West Jordan; grandchildren: Alisha and Dave McConnell, Travis and Joy Fordham, Corey and Liz Fordham, Leslie and Travis Nicholson, Benjamin Fordham and Lindsay Fordham; great-grandchildren: Liam Fordham, Graham Fordham, Emma Fordham, Spencer McConnell, Isabella McConnell, Evie Fordham and Kaylee Wright. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lyda; his parents, Carl and Della Fordham; one brother and two sisters: Alton D. Fordham, Naomi Platt and Lorna Christensen. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. in the Green Valley LDS Stake Center, 511 South Valley View Drive in St. George, where friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 7 to 9 P.M. or Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the Utah Honor Guard, will be Monday, October 11, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. in the Loa Cemetery, Loa, Utah under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.