Neil Standifird Wagaman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 17, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 87.

Neil was born on December 1, 1938, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Deon Standifird and Paul Wagaman. Family was at the heart of Neil's life, and the relationships he shared with those he loved remained among his greatest blessings throughout his 87 years.

As a young man, Neil served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern California Mission. Shortly thereafter, he began another chapter of service when he joined the United States Coast Guard, serving from 1961 to 1969.

On November 21, 1962, Neil married the love of his life, Cora Louise Sanders. Together, Neil and Cora built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, service, and love. In 1970 Neil and Cora were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. During nearly 64 years of marriage, they created a legacy that continues through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Following his service in the Coast Guard, Neil began a career with the Salt Lake City Police Department, where he served for 25 years as a police officer, detective, and sergeant. Neil truly loved being a police officer and took great pride in his work and in the friendships he made throughout his career. He especially treasured the opportunity to work alongside his older brother, Kirby Wagaman, and his close friends Dean Meiling, Richard Greenhalgh, Mac LeFevere, and Ron Greenleaf.

Retirement from the police department did not quite mean retirement for Neil. He continued his career working for the National Auto Theft Bureau and later the National Insurance Crime Bureau, where he was able to put his many years of law enforcement experience to good use.

As much as Neil valued his career, his favorite place to be was with his family. Some of his happiest memories were made at the family cabin in Wyoming and during family trips to Lake Powell, on camping adventures, Disneyland vacations, and countless other excursions. For Neil, the destination was never as important as having his family there with him.

Neil was also an avid reader. There was almost always a book sitting beside his favorite chair, with Louis L'Amour novels among his favorites. A good book and a comfortable chair were simple pleasures he enjoyed throughout his life.

Neil was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith in Jesus Christ was a guiding influence throughout his life. He served faithfully in many Church callings and remained true to his testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel throughout his life.

Together, Neil and Cora were wonderful examples of love and service. They quietly cared for and served those around them and created traditions that became meaningful not only to their family but also to many friends and neighbors. Perhaps one of their most beloved traditions was making their Christmas sugar cookies each year and delivering them to friends and neighbors. For many, Christmas simply wasn't complete without a visit-and cookies-from Neil and Cora.

Neil was the proud father of six children: Neil Scott Wagaman; Caryn Stastny (Mark); Steph Marchello (Ivan); Chuck Wagaman (Holli); Becky Nocon (Ron); and Julie Holbrook (BJ). His family continued to grow to include 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought tremendous joy to his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Neil Scott Wagaman; his parents, Deon Standifird and Paul Wagaman; his older brother, Kirby Wagaman; his older sister, Meredith Oates; his younger brother, Joe Clausen; and many dear friends who were an important part of his life.

Neil is survived by his devoted wife, Cora Louise Wagaman; five of his children and their spouses; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his older brother, Duane; and his younger brother, Dale.

More than the dates that marked the beginning and end of Neil's life, his story is found in all the years in between.

Neil will be deeply missed, but the life he built and the example he set will remain with those who loved him. His legacy lives on in the generations of family who were blessed to call him husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa, and in the countless lives made better because Neil was part of them.

Funeral services for Neil will be held Monday, August 24th, at 12:30 PM at The Meadowcrest Ward House, 6301 S 2300 E, Holladay, UT 84121. Prior to the service, a public viewing will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the same location. Burial will take place following the service at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 E Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.