Carl Dearden

Our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, Carl Ramon Dearden, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022 surrounded by his family. Carl was born July 2, 1940 to Ray and Maina Dearden of Henefer, Utah. Carl grew up in Henefer and graduated from North Summit High School where he served as the student body president of the class of 1958.

In 1960, Carl served a faithful LDS mission in the Central Atlantic States (North Carolina and Virginia). He loved his mission and it provided a strong foundation for future church service the rest of his life.

In 1963, Carl enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and was stationed at Hill Air Force Base. He served his country for 6 years. During this time Carl also attended Weber State College where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Political Science and completed a Secondary Education teaching certificate.

Carl began and ended his 34 year teaching career at Morgan High School, “In the Valley where skies are so blue”. Carl taught Geography, AP History, Psychology, and US Studies. He also served as the advisor for the Student body officers for over 30 years. Carl was a master teacher, an innovative educator, a champion for students, and a relentless pursuer of knowledge. He loved mentoring young people and preparing them for leadership roles.

Carl met Shirley L Carter on a blind date in 1968 and quickly knew he’d found his eternal sweetheart. After a short courtship, the two were married and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 13, 1968. The young couple began their married life in Henefer and he never found anywhere else he wanted to live. Henefer was heaven to him.

Carl and Shirley welcomed 6 children into their loving family. Shelly (Tim) Olsen, Sue (Steven) Williams, Cindy (Byron) Bosshardt, Barry (Krisanne) Dearden, Todd (Justin) Dearden, Alison (Cameron) Day. Carl and Shirley’s family expanded to include 16 beloved grandchildren(plus bonus in-law Grandchildren), and 5 great-grandchildren. His family was everything to him.

Carl was involved in community service and served on the North Summit School Board for 8 years. He took seriously the opportunity and obligation to participate in local government. He never missed voting and taught his family to do the same.

Carl loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served faithfully as a Bishop, Bishop’s Counselor, High Councilor, YM President (Ward and Stake), High Priest Group Leader, teacher and in various other positions.

Carl and Shirley fulfilled a lifelong goal when they served a mission together in the mission office of the Birmingham Alabama Mission. He often commented that he had the world’s best companion and their time serving in the South was a highlight in his life.

One of the greatest joys of Carl’s life was serving in the Ogden Temple for 5 years. His service in the temple ended when he lost his sight in 2008.

The last 14 years of Carl’s life were filled with choices. He chose to not give up, He chose to see God’s hand in his life and to see the silver lining in all things. He chose to reach out to others, to serve and to be patient. He and Shirley found ways to spread love and comfort through making hundreds of fleece blankets that were shared with ambulance crews, shelters, and many others. He brought smiles to thousands of children through the work he did completing 25,000 cars for Tiny Tim’s workshop.

Carl’s influence and example to his family and others will always be remembered. He was always Grateful. Always Faithful. His children, most of all, wish to thank their mother for her unending love and care of our Dad. You are his sweetheart, loving companion, and his eyes for 14 years. No one could have done more than you did for him.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Maina Dearden, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Fern Carter and his two older brothers, Larry (Kay) Dearden and Don (Connie) Dearden. We rejoice in the reunion we are certain Dad had with them.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13th, at the Henefer LDS Chapel at 11 AM. Viewings will be held at the Henefer Ward Building on Wednesday October 12th from 6 PM to 8 PM and at the church on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services.

Interment will follow at the Henefer City Cemetery.

*A Carl R. Dearden scholarship fund has been created to be awarded to a Morgan High student.  Anyone who wishes to contribute or in lieu of flowers can contact the Morgan School District office.