Val W. Singleton

Val Singleton, 89, a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at home on Friday, Oct 18, in Mesa, AZ. We are grateful he is finally at peace, but we love and miss him already.
Val started as a farm boy in Wilford, Idaho, went to high school in Rexburg, ID and Brigham City, Utah, served honorably in the US Navy, and always worked hard to provide for his family. He retired after over 30 years at Motorola. Val came from a large family of 8 kids, and learned to work hard as he grew up. In 1955, he married his sweetheart, Mary, and they were together for over 69 years.
Val's focus was taking care of his family, especially his 5 children. As one of the oldest of the 8 kids, he already had lots of early training on helping care for younger siblings. As a young Dad, he changed a lot of diapers, and managed to help keep them all alive in spite of a wide variety of challenges, obstacles, accidents and adventures. He did his best to help them grow up to be awesome people – which they are.
One of Val's selfless gifts was donating one of his kidneys to his teenage daughter, saving her life and allowing her to grow up and have her own family. As his family grew up, Val always looked for opportunities to help his children and grandchildren. The whole family lives close, everyone gets along with each other, and looks for opportunities to get together. It's amazing! Val's family was so proud of him when he conquered an alcohol addiction that had plagued him, and then joined Alcoholics Anonymous helping others on their path. Val recently celebrated 40 years of sobriety!
Val was kind to everyone, people found it easy to be his friend, and he knew how to fix about anything. He had a sense of adventure and a great sense of humor. He took the family on great vacations & camping trips and created so many great memories. He was an avid fisherman and loved taking family members out on his little aluminum boat. He could always out fish us without even trying. He liked being the Fishing Guide. He couldn't see that well out of one eye, but he could tie invisible fishing line to a tiny hook pretty quick!
Val is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary; five children, Charles (Debbie), Valrie (Jack), Barbara (Mark), Mara (Terry) and Wade. Also, his brother Wayne (Linda), sisters Mary Anne (Rees) and Mina (Michael), 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
We are so grateful to have had so many wonderful years with him. It's been such a blessing to our whole family. Until we meet again, we love you Dad!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to a favorite charity, visit someone and make them feel special, or just try to be a little more kind as we make our way through this life. It's up to you.