Born: Tuesday Mar-08-1938
Died: Thursday Sep-21-2023
Funeral: Monday Oct-02-2023

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

WILLARD NEAL WYATT
BURLEY - Willard Neal Wyatt passed away on September 21, 2023, 5 weeks after his dear wife, Kenna.

Neal was the youngest (and favorite) of 5 children born to Irvin and Isabell Wyatt. He was born March 8, 1938. He grew up on a farm in the Pella area where he helped with milking cows and farming most of his younger years. His dad taught him to work hard but when the chores were finished - he knew how to play! One of the highlights of growing up on the farm was meeting up with his friends in the evenings to go swimming in the canal.

Neal attended school at Southwest Elementary, Burley Jr. High and he graduated from Burley High School in 1956. In high school, Neal played football, basketball and participated in track. These experiences would serve him well as he went on to coach those same sports for Oakley High School for 39 years.

After high school, Neal attended Utah State University where he majored in History and minored in Math. Not long after he graduated from college, he was “selected” to serve in the army. He did his basic training at Fort Ord but was then assigned to Fort Hauchau, where he worked as a GED teacher and then as a historian in the base museum.

He started teaching at Oakley High School in the spring of 1964. He met the love of his life, Kenna Anderson, on a blind date and they were married on June 24, 1965. They were the proud parents of 3 pretty amazing daughters - Alison, Candace and Robyn.

Neal continued to teach and coach at Oakley High School and impacted thousands of lives. As a coach, he led his team to two state basketball championships, his football team to one state championship, and coached many athletes to first place medals at the state track meets. He received many coaching awards including several from IHSAA. When he wasn’t coaching, during the summers, he farmed with his Dad and helped his brother, Grant, on his farm.

Neal was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He served in a variety of callings - Elders Quorum President, ward clerk, high priest group leadership, Oakley Stake High Council and ordinance worker in the Twin Falls Temple.

He willingly gave off his time to help anyone who might be in need. He was a diligent home teacher, a willing math tutor, a Christmas candy deliverer and a devoted coach to any athlete who sought his help (even if you were on an opposing team). Neal would disappear every day and Kenna would worry about where he had gone but it turned out that he was silently checking on multiple people in his neighborhood who he thought might need his help.

He love to read, draw house plans or spend time outside enjoying nature - going on long walks, backpacking trips, or just mowing the lawn.
Neal was often referred to as a gentle giant. He made friends wherever he went. He was kind to everyone he knew and had a special way of making sure you knew that you were loved and valued in his quiet, unassuming way.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kenna Anderson Wyatt as well as, his parents Irvin Syme Wyatt & Isabell Maughan Wyatt and 2 of his older brothers, Dale and Grant Wyatt.

He is survived by his daughters - Alison (Scott) Rydalch of Idaho Falls, Candace (Tracy) King of Burley and Robyn Jones of Worland, Wyoming, his sister
Margaret (Marvin) Miller and brother Lynn (Roseann) Wyatt, 17 grandchildren - Jenna, Creighton, Cambree, Jared, Sakoya, Jordan, Kennadee, Kayson, Saige, Janeal, Kaia, Justin, Denali, Kestlé, Derringer, Wynter and Wyatt and his 7 great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 2, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Pella 2nd Ward, located at 160 West 400 South, of Burley. Burial will follow in the Pella Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the Pella 2nd Ward building located at 160 West 400 South of Burley, and at the church on Monday, from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral.

A LIVE WEBCAST OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AND MAINTAINED AT THE FOLLOWING LINK   https://youtu.be/3J6QkAEE63o 

Services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.

Condolences:

There are no words to express how many lives Coach touched over the years. He was an amazing coach and a super friend. May Heaven bless his family with love and comfort knowing coach is with his sweet wife. Our sincere condolences to his 3 daughters and family. Rest in peace and and we will never forget ya COACH.....Joe Stringham

Condolences to the Wyatt family. Coach Wyatt will definitely be missed....David Roundy

One of the greatest men I’ve ever known! Sending all my love to your family....Robyn W Fehlman

A great man who taught me more than any other person outside my family. I love you coach....Brent Hale

My condolences to your family. Mr. Wyatt was an amazing teacher and he is surely going to be missed....Kellie Burns

Mr. Wyatt was an amazing man and teacher. I can still see him standing at the podium and saying “and I said self…” He handed me the keys to the building and I said you trust me? He said “should I not trust you?” Very fond memories of him. Rest Easy Mr. Wyatt...Erin L Clearwater

Neal has been a dear friend and neighbor for many years. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. We send our thoughts, love and prayers to his wonderful family....Al and Kathy Barrus

Mr. Wyatt taught my dad, my four sisters and I. I will always remember him for his humor and passion for math and sports. Always and forever will be a favorite and I can’t talk about him without laughing or smiling. He will be forever remembered....Jennifer Frame

Husband, father, teacher, coach, and friend! Will be missed by many....Lee Braegger

Neal was just a very gentle person. He seemed to be at peace with himself and others. I’ve never ever heard him say anything derogatory about anyone. He was an amazing guy. I’m sorry for your loss. But how special that you girls and all the grandkids and great grandkids had such amazing, kind and loving example to help you all in life. Love to all of you...Tana Morgan

Coach Wyatt was an example of love and kindness. He could see potential in young people and helped each individual improve. I have always felt immense gratitude for the way he treated me and helped me develop, both on and off the field. Much love...Cory Bench

Neil was such a wonderful man. I remember him playing hand clapping games with my daughter on the bleachers while I coached the track team. Then years later volunteering his time to coach the high school high jumping team all season. He was always ready to serve and support everyone around him. His smile and kind words brought happiness to my day. My deepest condolences to his family and all those who knew him. He will be missed. Thanks Coach Wyatt...Tanya Young

Neal was already a gentle giant when we were growing up in the original Pella Ward long ago. He was always positive, helpful, happy, optimistic, prepared, and honest. It was a blessing to visit with him briefly last July 23rd and to visit on the phone recently. He lived a celestial style of life...Newell Dayley

Neal was one of the first coaches I had the opportunity to work with as I started my officiating career in football. He was always so respected by so many. He would always greet me with a smile and tell me how he enjoyed having me on his game. Such a great man. I will always treasure his friendship and advice. Prayers to all his family...Leon Clegg and family

Coach Wyatt sure had a great sense of humor. One of my favorite memories was his geometry experiment. Our math class was on the upper west side of the high school. He would bounce a ball off of the walls and into Mr. Haines science class on the floor below. He also helped us make some pretty cool paper airplanes.  A great teacher, a great coach and a great friend. He will always be remembered...Kelley Gorringe

I have many fond memories of Mr/Coach Wyatt. I have thought of him often over the years and am grateful for the influence and impact he had on me. He had a great sense of humor and always made learning and practicing fun. He will be missed, but I’m happy knowing that he is with his sweet wife and at peace....Hillary (Matthews) Almond

Coach Wyatt started at OHS in 1964. Two years before I graduated from there. Even then we knew he was a great teacher, coach and person. What an amazing career he enjoyed there. The word that comes to mind is, 'Respect' when I think of him. His years at OHS must be some kind of record. He must've asked God if he could come too, and be with Kenna. He left a great legacy and example to his family....Sandra (Mayes) Osterman

Coach Wyatt was a great inspiration in my life. He was a great coach in football, basketball and track to me. He was also a great teacher. I recall him teaching Trig, even though there were only five students in the class. I also remember pleasant, short visits were served breakfast for the Oakley Booster Club at the Pioneer Days celebration. Prayers of comfort for the girls and their families...Mark Altom

So sorry to hear of Coach Wyatt’s passing. He was definitely a gentle giant and a coaching legend in the annals of Idaho IHSAA. His even temper and calm demeanor exemplified his sincere interest in the lives of all the young people he touched through the years. I am grateful to be one the lucky boys who were members of his first coaching assignment—Oakley 8 th grade basketball. Our sincere condolences to the Wyatt family at this time. Idaho has lost a coaching icon and the community a great man....Lyle and Jennifer Sager

Candace and family–so sorry for your loss of both your parents. May God give you comfort and peace... Eileen and family

Neal and Kenna were just the best people and knowing they are together again is simply wonderful. Still, the loss of yet another parent has to be so very hard for you girls, Candace, Robyn, and Alison, and your families. We have great memories of serving in the temple with them. They are leaving quite a hole in our community and will always be remembered for their goodness and service to so very many in our area. Praying for the Lord's tender mercies be with all of you.... Lonnie and Gay Downs

Coach Wyatt was a selfless person. He did so much for so many people—coaching, teaching, ministering. He was optimistic and helped others want to feel that way, too. He didn’t get upset when he walked into the classroom and a chalked chalkboard eraser came down on him from being propped on the door. May his family be comforted and feel peace during this difficult transition. Keep the eternal perspective!...Marie (Altom) Fitton