Wendell Eldwin Everist

Wendell Eldwin Everist was born on Christmas day in 1931 in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was the oldest of six children. He leaves behind his wife Judy, who he was married to for 57 years. He was a loving father who leaves behind his 7 children: Laurie Letner, Bart Everist, Kathi Everist (deceased), Wendy (Curtis) Bloomfield, Travis Everist, Peggy (Sam) Weech, and Nancy Bolen. At the time of his death, he had 27 grandchildren, and many many great grandchildren.

When Wendell was young his father fell from a tree, breaking his back and causing a loss of one leg. His father went to school and became a Nazarene minister which caused his family to move to Pitkin, Louisiana where his father was assigned to a church. Wendell grew up with a stern father who taught his six children about God. This was a good thing!

Wendell went to school in Pitkin and when he was in high school the family moved to Texarkana, Texas where he attended high school. After high school, Wendell joined the Navy and served for 4 years.The next step in his life was as a professional ballroom dancer who taught dancing in Texas. He became restless in that career and moved to Las Vegas where he ran a gaming school at the Mint Hotel. 

It was in Las Vegas that he met his wife Judy and married her in 1969. They then moved to Arizona where he became a school teacher, first teaching in Glendale and then in Eagar, Arizona. He taught there up until he retired. He was a born teacher. He loved the students and they loved him!

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and his wife served two missions; to Nauvoo, Illinois and to Martin’s Cove, Wyoming.

Wendell loved music and drama, he played the lead in many plays. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was kind to everyone. His family and friends will miss him greatly. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Temple View Chapel (2885 AZ-277, Snowflake, AZ 85937) on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The funeral will be preceded by a public viewing held at 10:00 a.m. in the same building. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wendell Eldwin Everist, please visit our floral store.