Willard Done Labrum

January 29, 1916 - February 9, 2016

Willard Done Labrum passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016. Willard had just celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends eleven days earlier. Willard was born on January 29th, 1916 in Brigham City, Utah to Rulon Henry Labrum and Irene Done. Willard grew up in Murray, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah in 1939 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. In 1974 he received a Masters degree in Civil Engineering and did Doctoral work as well. Willard joined the Navy in World War II and was commissioned as an Ensign. He was deployed to the Pacific in New Guinea. Willard loved engineering in the Navy and made it a career. He attained the rank of Commander before retiring in 1969.Willard married his college sweetheart Dr. Shirley Barbara Oleson on April 5th, 1946 and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised five children while moving from coast to coast on various Navy assignments.After retiring from the Navy, Willard and the family moved back to Salt Lake City where he continued his engineering expertise working for the Department of Transportation. One of his accomplishments was working with software simulations of traffic patterns to optimize traffic flow.Willard had a lifelong love of tennis and vigorously pursued that sport his entire life. He also had a deep love for jazz music which can be attested to by his massive collection of vinyl and CD recordings of famous jazz artists.Willard served as a bishop in his LDS ward in his later years and was dearly loved by his ward members.Willard will be dearly missed by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lucille and Irma, and brother Rulon. He is survived by his wife Dr. Shirley Barbara Labrum, daughter Barbara (Shelby) Rogers, son Clark (Bonnie) Labrum, daughter Janet (Keith) Jepsen, daughter Carla Burdette, daughter Kathy (James) Deans, 22 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.The family would like to thank CNAs Janet, Dora and Rocio for their service.A viewing will be held at 11:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13th at the Brighton 4th Ward, 2895 E Creek Road. Interment with military honors will occur Tuesday, February 16th at 12:00 p.m. at the Utah Veterans Cemetery.