Posted on: Franklin Co. Id Obits Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Id/FranklinObits/10286 Surname: Saxton, Seamons, Martin, Bodrero, Speth, Gailey ------------------------- The Logan Herald Journal 03-19-2001 Dale Saxton, 76, our wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a great friend to all, passed away at his home in Smithfield, Utah, on Friday March 16, 2001. He fought a long and painful battle with cancer. He was born March 23, 1924, in Preston, Idaho, to Aaron and Eliza Alice Martin Seamons Saxton. He married Shirley Gailey on Dec. 6, 1943. They were later divorced. He married Vonna Bodrero Speth on April 10, 1982. They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on Oct. 22, 1999. Dale was successful in the car business. In 1943 he started his automotive career at McCune Motor Company in Preston, Idaho. In 1956 he joined Cranney Chevrolet. He started Saxton Auto Sales in Preston in 1960. He moved his business to Smithfield in 1968. Dale would only buy the very best cars. His famous words were, I would never sell a car that I wouldnt keep for myself. He received numerous awards from Ford Motor Company and General Motors. The Independent Auto Dealers Association honored him as Quality Dealer of the Year in 1983 and 1988. He was honest and true in all his dealings, and he loved his work. He found joy in serving the people of Cache Valley. Dale was a shining light on earth, always able to see the best in people. He had a great zest for life and was full of vitality, and was a man of great integrity. He taught many to live life to the fullest and make the best of any situation. He shared with all his children his love of fishing, especially on the Cub River, and they spent many afternoons pheasant hunting in the fields surrounding Preston. Dale enjoyed family gatherings, cook outs, and visiting with neighbors on his back deck. Another favorite pastime was treasure hunting with his metal detector. Dale had a tremendous love for all animals, especially his dogs and cats. He loved golfing with his wife, as well as traveling to many parts of the world with her and his stepchildren. Dale was a member of the LDS church and had a strong love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. At the time of his death, he was a high priest in the Smithfield 6th Ward. He was a dedicated home teacher, even through his illness. He is survived by his wife, Vonna; three sons, Dale Robert (Evelyn) Saxton, Franklin, Idaho, Michael (Roxanne) Saxton, Smithfield, Utah, Philip (Tara) Saxton, Lewiston, Utah; one daughter, Sharon (Howard D.) Nelson, Fairview, Idaho; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and three stepchildren, Steven L. (Pam) Speth, Wichita, Kan., Sandra (Guy) Curtis, Millville, Utah, and Stuart (Donnell) Speth, Smithfield, Utah. Dale also had eight stepgrandchildren and two sisters, Hazel Buhler, La Harba, Calif., and Velma (Joe) Hill, San Diego, Calif. His parents, six brothers and five sisters preceded him in death. Dale was very courageous and strong willed. Nothing could keep him down. The world is a better place for having known this wonderful man who was always full of good cheer, love and laughter. Dale, we will all cherish your memory, and we thank you for teaching us the important things in life. We believe you have lived the words of Timothy: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday in the Smithfield 6th Ward church house, 120 S. 600 East. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St., Logan, and prior to the funeral from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Logan City Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the many friends, neighbors, and care-givers for all their love and service.