Elmer Lee McFarland

Our loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend to all, Elmer Lee McFarland, was called back to his Heavenly Fathers presence on October 21, 2024 at the age of 70. Elmer was born May 5, 1954 to Betty Jean Sharp and Pearly Lee McFarland in Newton, Iowa. He was born with a hole in his heart and his parents were told that he would not live past the age of three. Little “Stinky” McFarland, as he was affectionately called, would defy all odds. Stinky had a heart surgery, at three years old, that was the first-of-its-kind. He was a feisty survivor with a big personality from the start. 

He went to live with his Aunt and Uncle at a young age. They treated him like their Son and he loved being raised with his cousins. It’s there he learned about Jesus and the Bible. At seventeen years old, he had another cutting-edge heart surgery. 

Elmer moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, during his Junior year in high school, where he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Marilyn Lynnette Whitmore. They were married on November 3, 1973. He was taught by missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints about the restored gospel. Elmer had learned the bible at an early age. He knew that what he was learning from the missionaries, was just an addition to what he already knew was true. He wanted to have his family together through eternity, so he was baptized on July 26, 1977. Elmer and Marilyn were then sealed in the Saint George Temple for time and all eternity. 

He was a loving Dad of three daughters Desiree, Natalie, and Rachel. He was thrilled to be a grandpa to seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandkids and was excited for all the future ones to come. He took great enjoyment in spending time with his grandkids and holding the newest additions. 

He was honest, hardworking, and loyal. His work brought him to Southern Utah and then eventually to West Jordan, UT. He climbed the ladder of every company he worked for. He quickly became management and earned recognition, love, and respect from everyone he encountered; in his work and personal life. He went on to fulfill his dream of owning convenience stores. He had a Texaco and Chevron that he named “Elmo’s place”. In 2002, he got to work for the Salt Lake City Olympics, which he was very proud of. 

Elmer was known by all for his fun-loving personality, humor, loyalty, mischievous antics, unwavering testimony of the Gospel, dedication to genealogy, and temple work. He held numerous callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and his wife served a mission at Temple Square, and he loved to meet people from all over. He held many leadership callings, but working with the Young Men and Scouts always held a special place in his heart. 

He loved the outdoors and took the family camping, fishing, hunting, tubing, rafting, four-wheeling, and traveling; which included cruises, and taking road trips to Disneyland with the kids and grandkids. He especially loved making holidays magical every year being Santa’s “Helper”. 

Elmer may have been born with a hole in his heart, but that just made him have the biggest and most perfect heart. We cherish the wonderful memories and legacy he has left. It will be those moments that will help fill the holes left in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. 

He is preceded in death by his Mother Betty Jean Sharp, Father Pearly Lee McFarland, Mother-in-law Athella Huffman, Aunt Ruth Cole, Brother Randy Lee McFarland, Cousin Becky Cole, and Grandchildren Preston and Porsche Winger.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Lynnette McFarland, Daughter Desiree Christensen (husband Daniel Christensen), Natalie Beckstead (husband Scott Beckstead), and Rachel Harbert (husband Christopher Harbert). Grandchildren Ashley Robison, Aaron Perkins, Cody Perkins, Bailey Mascaro, Crizmen Christensen, Cheyenne Cook, Colton Donn, Haillee Donn, Keaton Beckstead, Breauna Beckstead, Kenedee Beckstead, Tanner Harbert, Denver Winger, Cameron Winger, Stetson Winger, Devon Harbert, and Talon Harbert. 

A viewing will be held at Anderson & Goff Mortuary 11859 S 700 E, Draper, UT 84020 on November 9th, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Funeral at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be held immediately following at Wasatch Lawn in Riverton, UT.