Edgar Wynne Barham

Our loving father, Edgar Wynne Barham, left us on March 12th at 88 years old. Over the past four years, he yearned to join his wife and our mother, Jeannene Nemelka. She returned to her “eternal home” far sooner than any of us expected, especially our father. It brings us great joy to know they are dancing together again.

“Eddie” was born on June 9, 1932, in Long Branch, New Jersey. At five, his mother moved their family to her hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah. His first experience with the loss of a loved one came at the tender age of seven through the death of his father, Harold LeRoy Barham. Dad was devoted to his widowed mother, Ellen Madeline Pyper, through the remainder of her life. He is survived by one of three brothers, Bill Barham, and one of three sisters, Marilyn Fox.

Dad married our mother when she was 17 years old and he was 21. Prior to engagement, she agreed to support him on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just four short months after their wedding day, he left her at home to serve in the Eastern United States mission. This joint decision began a lifetime of compassionate service for both of them.

Our father dedicated his life to the happiness of his children. “Dad memories” for each of his six children are broad and immense. They include coaching, cheering, card games, board games, root beer floats, pinewood derbies, camping, boating, snow skiing, jet skiing, BYU football, Jazz basketball, Newport Beach, Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Park City, the Homestead, lots of “special dinners” and more.

His surviving children include Steven T. Barham (JoDee), Jill Muhlestein (Jeff), Brooke A. McKenna (John), Bradley W. Barham (Mindy), Pyper L. Commodore (Mike, deceased) and Matthew K. Barham, including 24 grandchildren and 29.5 great grandchildren.

Never seeking recognition, our father was a quiet force for good as he found happiness in one singular source: the joy of others. Due to this, he supported and fulfilled many callings, charitable ventures, and meaningful efforts, alongside our mother. His influence was felt through the thousands of smiles he created. He had a subtle but hilarious sense of humor that he shared with family and strangers, generating joy and happiness in all around him.

A viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. So. Jordan Pkwy, So. Jordan, on March 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, at 1:00 p.m. We invite friends and family to make donations to Dementia Research.

We love and miss you Dad!