Dell Walter Oliver

Dell Walter Oliver, died Sunday, April 20, 2008 in Orem, Utah. He was born the first and only son of Jesse Walter and Lillian Wilson Oliver on September 15, 1919 in Driggs, Idaho.
Dell's family moved to San Diego, California in 1923 and he lived in San Diego County for the next 85 years until he moved to Utah in 2007.
Dell married Irene Fuller LaRocco on October 19, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They lived in La Mesa, California for the next 54 years.
Dell had two sisters, Willa and Yvonne. Willa had passed away prior to his birth and Yvonne passed away in 2007.
Dell was a talented athlete, B-52 bomber top turret gunner, faithful and devoted husband to Irene for over 53 years. He was the honorable father of 7 boys and 4 girls, grand father to 30 and great-grandfather to 17. He attended Hoover High School, and often said his claim to fame was that he played ball after school with the hitting legend Ted Williams. He pitched for the Pacific Coast League Padres from 1939 to 1941. He spent part of his years in Salem, Oregon during his pitching career. He served his country in World War II from 1942 to 1945 in the Army Air Force, proudly bringing peace through victory.
He was a plumbing contractor, and successful business owner of Dell Oliver and Sons Plumbing. He passed his company to his oldest sons, and had a Tru - Value Hardware store for a few years.
Dell was an active member of the La Mesa II ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the gospel and served a mission in Australia with his wife, Irene, for 18 months. Together they served in the Los Angeles and San Diego Temples for over 19 years.
Dell is preceded in death by his sisters and oldest son Tom (Rhonda).
Dell is survived by his wife, Irene, children, John (Terry), Mike (Denise), Judi (Steve) Morse, James, David, Robyn (Frank) Delgado, Dirk (Char), Colleen Bunch, Barry (Peggy), Renee (Larry) Hartmann, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park Chapel, 17111 South Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, Utah on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment at the Utah Veteran's Cemetery with military honors.
Dell, Dad, Grandpa - Loved and remembered for the hard work he put into taking care of his family and staying active and devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his life.