Karl Wendell Allred

Karl Wendell Allred of St. George, Utah, was born on 9/19/1929 in Ogden, Utah to Vern and Fern Allred. He was their only child. He grew up in North Ogden and loved hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He continued to enjoy these activities throughout his life. He started violin lessons at age 8, after begging his parents for a lengthy period of time for this chance. Music became his passion and life‘s work. He taught hundreds of students over the years--in schools, orchestras and private lessons. He played in symphonies, local orchestras, folk bands, at church and in nursing homes, bringing joy to many. Among his many musical accomplishments are playing with the Utah Symphony, starting up the orchestra program in the Spanish Fork, Utah schools, directing the folk band at BYU, and being a champion fiddler and revered member of the Utah old-time fiddlers. He played the violin, viola, cello, mandolin and guitar.

After graduating from Weber High School, he entered the music program at BYU where he met his future wife, Rayma Johnson, while playing in the orchestra. He served a 2 1/2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to Switzerland, German speaking. After his mission, he married Rayma in the Salt Lake Temple in 1952. He graduated from BYU a few days after their first child, Michele, was born. At that same time he was drafted for military service, and after sending audition tapes, he was assigned to serve in Stuttgart, Germany as a violist in the 7th Army Symphony. His wife and daughter were able to join him for his time there.

After being discharged the next 10 years were spent in Salt Lake City, teaching and playing in the Utah Symphony. They welcomed two sons, Doran and Scott, to the family. In 1966 the Allreds moved to Springville, Utah where a daughter, Andrea, was born.

During those years Karl taught in Spanish Fork, continued playing in the symphony, led and traveled with a district youth orchestra and eventually was enticed to trade in his violin for a fiddle. He had many fun years performing and traveling with his wife, who was a fine pianist and could fiddle to boot!

A young Irish couple was unofficially adopted into the family circle after Karl‘s parents served a mission in Ireland. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Donald and Ann Boyle for their many years of service to the Allred family. 

“Retired“ but still busy, Karl and Rayma moved to Orem, Utah. They served a couples’ mission to Washington DC, which was cut short due to Rayma’s declining health. They then moved to their vacation home in Ivins, Utah, where it was easier for Karl to take care of his wife. Rayma passed away in 2006 after 54 years with Karl.

Karl served in the St. George temple and was, in due course, married again to Mary Thompson in St. George. She played the piano and they continued making music together until they were physically unable to do so. As Karl became blind, Mary was his eyes. They had 18 happy years together until Mary passed away early this year. With Karl‘s marriage to Mary came the addition of her family--her daughter Becky Thompson and her children, and Kelvin and Melanie Thompson. Another debt of gratitude is owed to Becky for her many years of service to Karl and Mary.

Karl served faithfully as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often leading choirs and congregations. The gospel of Jesus Christ was very important in his life. Each of life‘s challenges softened and refined him and he didn’t complain. “It wouldn’t do any good anyway,” he would say. Even after losing his wife, two sons, his sight, hearing, and then the loss of his second wife, he remained positive, and with a desire to serve others. He loved puzzles, stamp collecting, photography, antiques, art collecting, his family, BYU football, Utah Jazz basketball, and Wranglers. He was always a gentleman. He had good hair!

In his later years the Yost family came into his life and he loved teaching several of them to play the violin, even after he became blind. They, in turn, served him until the end. The Allred family is grateful to them.

In recent years, it has been important to him to share the gospel and be a good example to others. He became a favorite resident at Southgate, the assisted living where he spent his last year, because of his genuine friendliness and interest in others. Karl not only leaves a legacy of music, but of faith in Christ and obedience to God’s commandments.

Karl died on December 16, 2024, at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Fern Allred; his wife, Rayma; his second wife, Mary; and his sons, Doran and Scott. He is survived by daughters, Michele Casper (Ben) of Gilbert, Arizona, and Andrea Allred of Saint George; Donald and Ann Boyle of American Fork, and Becky Thompson and Kelvin (Melanie) Thompson of St. George. His blended family consists of 29 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren, with three on the way.

Karl’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 27 at the Southgate 1st Ward building, 1068 W Chandler Dr, St George. There will be a viewing 4-5 pm, food and mingling 5-6 pm, and music and sharing starting at 6 pm. Interment will take place on December 28th at 2:00 pm in the Provo City Cemetery.