Albert (Al) Leonard Ewell
Albert (Al) Leonard Ewell
1927 ~ 2024
Albert (Al) Leonard Ewell passed away Friday, July 19, 2024, at age 97 of natural causes in his home in American Fork, UT with his wife Ilajean (Jean) at his side.
Al was born in Santaquin, Utah, on April 13, 1927, to Frederick John Ewell and Emma Louisa Ewell. He was the youngest of ten children. His father passed away when Al was two years old. He remembered living in a one-room log cabin with a dirt floor and no utilities. As a young child, he lived many places and did any kind of work he could do to help support the family. At age 16 During World War II, he began working at Deseret Chemical Depot and later transferred to Tooele Army Depot where he retired at age 55 as a Department of the Army Civilian with 38 years of distinguished service, as a mechanic, body and fender man, and welder.
Al met Melba Rose Johnson at Deseret Chemical Depot, where they were both employed. Al married Melba on December 23, 1944. Al and Melba were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 14, 1965. Melba preceded Al in death on June 20, 2003. They had been married for 60 years.
They were the parents of Barbara, Diana and Ronald (Ron).
Al loved to camp, fish and hunt with his family. He loved playing softball and was also the pitcher for the old American Fork 7th ward softball team for many years. He quit pitching for the ward when he was 66. His teammate, the bishop at the time commented to him, “When these kids can beat us, we will quit.” He served in the ward as financial clerk for 18 years, at a time when there were no computers. Some of his many joys were playing the guitar, singing, and yodeling. He entertained at six assisted living homes throughout the county for many years.
He and Melba joined the Good Sam travel club and for many years made friends everywhere they went. Beginning in 1985, they became snowbirds, spending the winter months with their friends in Quartzsite, Arizona.
One of the many couples they befriended was Joe and Jean Richardson. After Melba and Joe’s passing both Al and Jean continued their friendship which evolved into marriage. On October 20, 2006, Al, age 79 married Jean, age 77 for time in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple where their 17 year adventure began.
In 2009, they served a six-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Cove Fort, UT, a church historical site.
After they returned from their mission, they continued to visit Quartzsite where Al performed almost nightly. Jean soon joined him on the stage by playing the spoons. They spent many years together entertaining on stage, at rest homes, and anywhere else they were invited to, including bank lobbies, and family gatherings.
Up to his last few weeks he continued to play his guitar, sing, and yodel, doing what he loved with his sweetheart, Jean until he passed.
He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a great example of love, service and kindness.
He was preceded in death by Melba (wife), Ron (son), Ty Asay (grandson), and Ricky Ewell (grandson).
He is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Barbara (Paul Asay), Diana (Don Jensen), daughter- in-law Kim Ewell, step-daughters Brenda (Greg Rutledge), Sue Carlson, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Pacific Drive 1st Ward Chapel, located at 688 West 500 North, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the American Fork Cemetery.