Wilford Alma Wiseman
October 22, 1926 - January 6, 2016

Wilford Alma Wiseman, 89, a resident of Barstow for 62 years, passed away quietly in his home in the early hours of January 6, 2016. He was born on October 22, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the eldest child of Francis William Wiseman and Edith Marie Langton Wiseman. On January 29, 1953 he was married to his first sweetheart, Ruth Jensen, in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS Temple. They moved to Barstow that September, where they raised their six children. In 2005 he lost his beloved Ruth in a car accident. He was blessed to be married again in 2007 to Beryl (Topsy) Evans, who he had met 60 years previously in Australia. Wilford served a mission for his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Sydney, Australia in 1947-1949. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 1952, and in 1963 received his master's in Speech from San Fernando State College, California. He began his teaching career in Barstow in 1953, beginning with 8th grade, and after 5 years moved on to Barstow High School, where he taught for 13 years. He then began teaching at Barstow Community College, where he taught Speech, Anthropology, Archeology, and Communications, among other things. He retired in 2002, at the age of 76. He loved his students and he loved teaching. Wilford also enjoyed woodwork, construction, and fixing things. He doubled the size of their family home and set up a workshop so he could build more things. He was also a great storyteller and especially loved sharing this talent with his grandchildren as they gathered around him. His greatest love besides his family was his church work. He held many callings in his church throughout the years and thrived in his opportunities to serve. He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he tried to emulate in his compassion, care, and service to others. Wilford is survived by his loving wife, Topsy; children Ruth Ann Wheelwright (Ross), Karen Rowley (Don), Mark Wiseman (Mary Anne), Sheri Sherwood (Dave), Becky Ballstaedt (Dan), Bonnie Wiseman; his sisters, LaVonne Watkins, Sharon Boggs; 32 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and his great grandchildren Clarissa Ruth Wheelwright, Cody Ross Phipps, William Scott Phipps; his sister Colleen Payzant, brother Ronald Wiseman, and his parents. A public viewing will be held Friday, January 15, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Road. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2571 Barstow Road, with a viewing from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park, 37067 Irwin Road. His son Mark will dedicate his resting place. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund.
https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund.html

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Published by Desert Dispatch from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilford Wiseman

15 Entries

Gayle Lytle

January 19, 2016

Mr. Wiseman was a fabulous Teacher. I had him for speech. I had always credited him for the business success that I had with communications. This wonderful man took the time to encourage others succeed in their endeavors. Thank you for all that you have given to your community. God Bless

January 18, 2016

Brother Wiseman will lie in a peaceful sleep until the Lord calls for him. Linda, vv

January 17, 2016

How sad I am to find this news on the web tonight. My sister and I boarded with Wilford (Wel-fed) and Ruth when we attended Barstow Union High School in the late 50's. They are great people. My condolences to Tops and all the Wiseman children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe and Marilyn Asay

Mary Ruxlow

January 17, 2016

"Let not your heart be troubled . . .
John 14:1

Rachelle Wojtkiewicz

January 16, 2016

Very few have crossed my path that I consider great examples of unconditional love and dedication to be like Jesus! If any human can come close to flawless, it would be Brother Wiseman. Teacher, Mentor, Lover of those he encountered! Never a harsh, ugly word from his mouth...but encouragement even when softly instructing to guide back to a path to see righteousness of Jesus! I know this man...will be face to face with Jesus but even more, this man of God lives on in the hearts he has touched over decades with his gentle spirit of unconditional love. Thank you for sharing him with the world!

Donna Kellis

January 16, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Bryant & Arlene Davis

January 15, 2016

During our time in Barstow we enjoyed knowing both Wil and Ruth. Working with Wil at the college was an education. He was a friend and mentor. You will be missed.

Ted Baca

January 15, 2016

I was saddened to learn that a friend and colleague had passed away. Will and I worked together at Barstow College for many years. A true gentleman, Wilford was known for his positive, caring, effusive demeanor. He loved teaching and with his considerable leadership skills contributed significantly to the development of Barstow College, the community and his students.

Katrina Smith

January 15, 2016

What a wonderful man and family! Love to you all.

Nancy Olson

January 14, 2016

Mr. Wiseman and his family once blessed my family at Christmas when I was his student worker. He brought his family to my house, where the children rang the doorbell and ran. On the porch was a gift, (food, presents). They did this for several nights. As a result my family had Christmas that year, as I was just a struggling student. That was Mr. Wiseman. Always ready to help those in need, but not needing to be acknowledged for what he had done. I found out many years later it was Mr. Wiseman and his family. Mr. Wiseman will be missed by many. God has taken a good man back home. I am so sorry for your loss.

Roberta McComas

January 14, 2016

Mr. Wiseman (and he truly was) was a wonderful instructor at Barstow Community College. As a very shy person, I dreaded public speaking and he was the one person who brought me past that. I think of him often as I complete my master's degree. I could not have done this without his kind guidance.

Lee Zeitelhack

January 14, 2016

He was one of my history teachers at Barstow High in 1964 and I remember him as a friend in later years. He was a kind person and I respected him very much.

Mary Ruxlow

January 14, 2016

Words fail me. Tears flow. So saddened by his loss. Wishing Peace to the family.
Mary Ruxlow (BHS '60)
RN Nurse Instructor
Veterans Home of California - Barstow

Anna Robles

January 13, 2016

Thank you for the wonderful education you gave to so many. You were an AWESOME instructor. May God bless you all with his Strength and Love during this time.

Barbara Simmons

January 10, 2016

Wilford was such a gentle, compassionate man. He always had good things to say about everyone. He was a man of action in doing good, helping those in need.

What a privilege it has been to have called him my friend. He will be missed here on earth, but I know he has had a joyous welcome by family and friends in Heaven.

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