Charles Ray Triplett

Charles Ray “Chuck” Triplett, age 94, passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025 at his home in South Jordan, UT. Born June 27, 1930, Chuck was raised in Wayland, KY where he would be the first to tell you that he had a girlfriend in every “holler” near Wayland. He joined the Air Force in 1947 where he served one tour of duty in Guam during the Korean War and then served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He also served at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, Anchorage, Alaska, Reykjavik, Iceland, Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC and Travis Air Force Base in California. While serving at Andrews Air Force Base, he was responsible for overseeing the scheduling and servicing of Air Force One. Chuck told many stories of his experiences working with Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. On November 22, 1963, Chuck was responsible for managing the press corp at Andrews Air Force Base when President Kennedy’s body was returned to Washington, DC. Chuck retired from the military as a Master Sergeant after 23 years of dedicated service. He was very proud to serve his country in the Air Force.

Well into his 80’s, it was not uncommon for Chuck to dress in his military uniform on Veterans Day. Not many veterans can say they still fit into their uniform at that age. On September 11, 2001, Chuck was so disturbed by our country being attacked, he went to his room, dressed in his military uniform and announced to his family that he was ready to re-enlist to protect our country even though he was 71 years old at the time.

While on his second tour in Vietnam, Chuck joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was baptized in the South China Sea. He lived the remainder of his life as a faithful and dedicated member of the church. Chuck loved to serve others. For years, he and Joan served as the LDS Representatives at the Care & Share food bank in St. George. They served every Saturday in the baptistry of the St. George temple. They also served 3-4 days per week at the St. George Senior Center. Chuck liked to say that is where he served lunch to “the old people”!

Chuck married Joan Wood on June 15, 1951 and they were sealed as an eternal family in the Oakland California Temple on March 9, 1974. Together they raised three wonderful children who all acquired positive traits from their parents.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Teresa Hatch (Mark), son Robert Triplett (Sally), 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with the 7th great grandchild to arrive in 1-2 months who will be named Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, 5 sisters, his wife and oldest daughter Linda. The family is comforted to know that he had a joyous Mother’s Day celebration with his mother who passed away when Chuck was only 12 years of age.

Chuck lived at Sagewood at Daybreak for nearly 10 years. He lived there longer than any other resident. The family would like to thank Sagewood’s loving and compassionate staff as well as the hospice staff at Canyons Hospice. They all made Chuck feel right at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:30am at Sagewood at Daybreak (11289 S Oakmond Rd, South Jordan, UT). Interment will be on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:00am at Tonaquint Cemetary (1777 S Dixie Dr, St. George, UT).