Joseph William Redding

Joseph William Redding was born on November 7, 1928 in Helper, Utah. He was the son of Albert William Redding and Adaline Wilma Riley. 

He married Shirlene Dimmick on May 23, 1953 and was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 23, 1955. They lived in Salt Lake City and Southern Utah, during their sixty-six years together. 

At ninety-five, Joe’s greatest wish was to peacefully go to sleep and join his wife, Shirlene, who passed in March of 2019.  On February 20, 2024, his wish was fulfilled, when he was reunited with Shirlene; as well as their son Leland, his parents Albert and Adaline, two brothers, Clair and Kenneth Redding and a sister Phyllis Sine, who had preceded him in death. 

He is survived by his children: Jody (Bill) Cruz, Larry (Rhonda) Redding, Wayne (Margaret) Redding and daughter-in-law Paula, (whose husband, Leland, passed in 2020).  Twenty-six grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Also, one brother Tom (Becky) Redding.

Growing up Joe’s family moved around constantly, so his father could find work.  Due to that, he attended multiple schools during his years of education; as many as four different schools in one year. He only attended one year at Provo High and thoroughly loved his time there. Sadly, he never received a high school diploma, but many years later, while working his full-time job, he attended night school and finally earned his GED the same year his daughter graduated from high school in 1972.  

Joe gave 110% in all aspects of his life. As a very young boy, he helped on the family farm and worked various jobs to help out his family with the basics of life. He served two years in the US Army Medical Corp in Germany during the Korean War. He worked for thirty years at Hill Air Force Base, as an electroplater and became a supervisor. Most of his life he worked a second job and the diversity of the jobs he held were many. He stocked merchandise in a grocery store, cooked in a restaurant, worked as a mechanic, drove taxis and buses, sold storm doors and windows, and delivered the Big Nickle newspaper, to name a few.

After retiring, at the age of fifty-five from Hill Field Air Force Base, Joe and Shirlene traveled throughout the southwestern states visiting ruins, monuments, and observing the beautiful scenery; with many special friends in RV caravans. Joe also enjoyed riding with his ATV club during the years they lived in Southern Utah. 

He attended and served faithfully in many callings and activities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a temple veil worker for twenty-two years, in the Salt Lake and St. George Temples. In 1997, Joe and Shirlene served a couple’s senior mission at the LDS Cove Fort Visitors Center in Southern Utah.

Joe loved all ‘his kids’, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was continually concerned for each one and tried to support them in any way he could. He prayed daily for their happiness, health, and success.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, with the funeral following at 2:00 pm. Located at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary (6500 S Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah)

Interment will be at Memorial Redwood Cemetery.