Details
About Wilford Allen Cardon
Wilford Allen Cardon passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025. A funeral service in his honor will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2549 North 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. Visitation will take place prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
Born on December 12, 1939, in Tucson, Arizona, Wilford was the third of six children to Wilford Pratt and Vilate Allen Cardon. He married Phyllis Reneer on June 24, 1967, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they built a family of eight children: Wilford Reneer, Rachel, Deise Carson (Craig), Richard (Shelly), Patrick (Kastle), Natalie, Philip, and Veronica Bradford (David). Wilford is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 58 years, five siblings, seven of his children, and twenty-eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his eldest son, Wilford Reneer.
Wilford graduated from Mesa High School, Class of 1957, and went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He pursued further education at George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., where he met and fell in love with Phyllis. After one year, Wilford left law school to join his father in managing the family business back home in Arizona. Following his father’s sudden passing just a few years later, Wilford continued to grow the family business with his brothers and other business partners. His career was marked by tireless work, quiet generosity, and an unwavering commitment to service.
In both business and community, Wilford led with vision and heart. He served on numerous Boards of Directors, including Mesa Public Schools, Banner Health, Delta Dental, Copa Health, BYU National Advisory Council, and founded the BYU Cardon International Scholarship program. He continually sought to uplift and improve the lives of others, but ultimately considered his highest callings to be those of faith and family.
A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Wilford bore a deep and abiding testimony of the Savior and served faithfully in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nearly a decade of his life was dedicated to missionary service in Brazil, where he served as a young missionary, Mission President, Director of the Perpetual Education Fund, and President of the Missionary Training Center. His efforts to build the Lord’s kingdom were sincere, lifelong, and full of love.
Wilford found his deepest joy in his family. In his later years his heart turned even more fully toward his posterity. He delighted in watching his grandchildren excel on the field, the court, the dance floor, and academically. He loved books, poetry, and the joy of song, often lending his voice in the choir. He lived a life anchored in wisdom, quiet service, eternal principles, and testimony. All who know and love him are beneficiaries of his eternal legacy.
If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service:
https://zoom.us/j/93341722094#success
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
27 comments
Gerald and Ina Tedrow
We were out of the country when we received the sad news of Wilford;s passing. We regret deeply that we were not able to attend the funeral. Wilford and I were room mates in college, I worked with him in their family business, associated in the petroleum association but most of all he was a good friend. I pray the Lords blessing on Phyllis and family and also pray for good memories. Gerald and Ina
EDERSON HENRIQUE PEDROSO DOS SANTOS
What a great man! He has done so much in his life with his talents and gifts. How many lives and generations were changed because the support he gave to help Brazilians and other Latin Americans further their education and bless so many lives, their country and communities. For me, I thank you for making my time at the MTC in Brazil a time “never to be forgotten”. As my district was assigned to leave the MTC and go to our mission HQ in Fortaleza, we were a little disappointed we would not be in São Paulo for the rededication of it by Pres. Hinckley and we wanted so much to visit the then the remodeled and soon to be rededicated. The day before, he met us in a room and shared with us, we would not be able to visit the temple, but he smiled and then told us they had arranged for us the opportunity to visit it, we really enjoyed that day. This temple has a special place in my heart, this was where my was sealed for all eternity. My condolences for sister Cardon and their family. “We can’t do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere.” — Richard L. Evans
Thank you!
Stan Cronin
I just heard this afternoon of my mentors passing. Wilford was my priest advisor 59 years ago. I still remember lessons he taught us and have two poems he gave us as past of his lessons. A remarkable teacher, a great example and a disciple of Christ.
Lucy Hinckey
.We will always be grateful to Wilfrido for his generosity, his unwavering faith, and the powerful example he set for all of us. His life was a blessing, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
Debbie Burris
Wilford made an impact on my family in such a positive way. He was so kind and will be truly missed.
WILLIAM M LEITE
Pres, Cardon you are the cream of the crop !
You are the holiest man I’ve ever met in my life, so I’m felling more close to me , and now I can promise the I will a better disciple of Jesus Christ because he love me first , then you love me first too wjith you example of love , patient , hope . You don’t owe me a single dollar, but I hope to better understand that deeper conversation we had on a trip about Pedro’s principle. When you’re traveling with Will through Brazil, you can whisper to me, and I’ll try to understand better and follow your trail.
Sister Cardon you knew how to shape this man, thanks for all !
Michael and Valorie sullivan
At this time we find ourselves unable to attend Wilford’s passing tributes of his life. Wilford was a kind generous
man. He was a valiant servant to Jesus Christ, he gave his
time and warm handshake to all that would accept it ! Our family have many loving memories of his love and generosity to us . I know he will continue his work in eternity. We love you The Sullivan’s Mike , Val and Children.
He gave his time, smiles and warm handshake.to all. Wilford a humble man
his smile and always a warm would always give you his full attention and all the great man rest with piece in his heart for all eternity
Mark and Cheryl Alder
What a life Wilford lived. It was so great to live in a ward with he and Phyllis. I don’t believe there was ever a question, religious or otherwise, for which he did not know the answer. We loved as he stood to great all when they walked into the chapel. A great friend will be missed.
Fernando Carvalho da Silva ( Élder Carvalho )
Brother Cardon was my Mission’s President and I quickly learned to love hin. He is as great man and a true Christ’s disciple. During that time I felt as he and his wife were like our fathers. He was my second father and for sure many missionaries and sister felt the same. I sitll can remember talking with hin and he allways hugged me and said ” I trust you, I love you Elder Carvalho”. I hoppe, one day in the future I can be again with hin and with my lord Jesus Christ. Sister Cardon, I love you, thankig you for all support thar you give hin, Cardon’s children, I knew you as children, now you are bigger and older, be proud of your great father. Thank you for sharing his father’s life with us, with me. Fernando ( Élder Carvalho )
Larry & Sherry Huffaker
I also wanted to add that Wilford was the best Sunday School teacher when we were 16. We loved him lots and he was a great influence on us, more than he will ever know! Much love and prayers to all of his family.
Dean Forman
Thank you President Cardon for being a mentor and second father to me. A few weeks ago, we took our family to to the cradle of the restoration in New York and Kirtland, Ohio. I was reminded of the scripture above that out of small things proceeds that which is great. Our work in Brazil together was one of those moments in time. I learned the process of faith that as the Prophet Joseph Smith said: Faith has power, dominion, and authority over all things. thank you for modeling faith to me and having the confidence in me that would allow me to become the best I could be.
I would be remiss if I didn’t recite a favorite scripture of yours that became one of mine too. “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments.“ D&C 59:21 I taught the scripture to my posterity. And every night while we were there, I would ask them, “how they had seen the hand of God that day.” There was not an evening go by that each did not share many things and witness the hand of God in their walk that day. Thank you for teaching me that gratitude is the greatest virtue, and the mother of all others.
It is because of God and His Son Jesus Christ that we were able to accomplish all that we did in Brazil, and see so many great and mighty miracles done in the name of Jesus Christ, His Holy Son. I have been blessed and my posterity by those two years amongst the Saints. Our posterity knows and loves the Book of Mormon. I give gratitude to you and to Him. May God bless you and your family for your selfless and inspiring service. Elder Dean Forman
Larry & Sherry Huffaker
We are so very sorry to hear of Wilford’s passing. He was our youth leader along with Phylliis and he was always a great example of living a christ like life. We knew he loved us and cared about us. We always looked up to him and Phyllis. We are out of town and are sorry to miss his service but we will be there in spirit and we will be watching. We love you Phylliis and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wilson Moreno
I am a recipient of the Cardon International Scholarship, and Brother Cardon profoundly changed my life through his generosity. His program enabled me to pursue a graduate degree in the United States, equipping me with the skills and knowledge I needed to advance my career and eventually return to South America. My family and I will be forever grateful to Wilford Cardon and his family. The world is a better place because of him and the example he set.
Eliane Munhoz
Quero deixar aqui juntamente com meu esposo sinceros sentimentos pelo querido Presidente Cardon, sentimento de agradecimento pelo homem justo e amoroso que foi juntamente com sua esposa Sister Cardon. Obrigado por tudo que me ensinaram durante o período de minha missão. Tudo que aprendi coloco em pratica na minha vida até hoje. Obrigado, deixo aqui meu amor eterno. Abraço. Sister Kittler
Lucena Collin
Um líder excepcional, pres. Cardon influenciou minha vida, por mais de 40 anos manteve contato expressando seu amor por seus missionários, foi um exemplo de amor genuíno, serviço e um ombro seguro que sempre pudemos nos apoiar. É um privilégio te-lo conhecido, eu e minha família o amamos para sempre. Força sister Cardon, te amamos também!
Claudio Boa Bentura
Pres. Cardon para sempre em minha vida e da minha família, pelo seus exemplos de amor, sabedoria, história, liderança e testemunho do Salvador Jesus Cristo. Para sempre amigo.
Raqyel da Siva Siveira de Oliveira
Meus sentimentos a toda a família Cardon, presidente Cardon foi o melhor presente do mundo ,sei que agora está nos braços do Senhor eu o amo pra toda a eternidade, sinto muito que o Senhor conforte o coração de todos vocês.
Sister Lima
Convivi dois anos no Campo missionário com este homem de Deus, Wilford Cardon. Foi um pai e amigo que fortaleceu meu testemunho e me deu conselhos e orientações espirituais. Minha eterna gratidão e até a eternidade!
Mauro Costa Loureiro
He was a true leader, we worked togerher at the São Paulo Brazil MTC. I still remember his lessons, he was serious and funny, but always kind.
He made everyone feel important, knew everyone by name at the very first day.
Great man, great leader, great friend.
Jose Desouza
Our family deeply mourns the loss of a wonderful person like President Cardon. We learned to love him more than anything when we remember how much he contributed to humanity, and we feel humbled to have had the opportunity to know him. We will miss him greatly, especially for his example of faith and testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.
Marcia da Silva Henz (Sister Silva)
Meu amor e gratidão eterna ao meu querido presidente Cardon, ele tocou a minha vida espiritual quando testificava de de Jesus Cristo e ensinava princípios eternos aos seus jovens missionários. Fui abençoada e agraciada com os recursos para obter uma graduação em uma universidade no Brasil, possibilitando assim uma vida mais confortável a nossa família. Meus sentimentos a toda a família e amigos desse grande e maravilhoso homem e um verdadeiro discípulo de Jesus Cristo.
Rosana De Alencar SisterLima
He is a true disciple of Jesus Christ and will be missed.
Wilford was a dear friend and inspiration to me.
Mel McDonald
Wilford Cardon was one of the most exceptional men that I have ever known. He and his brother Craig have been two of the greatest inspirations of my life. When I served on the COPA Health Board of Directors, Wilford was the Chairman of the Board. A devout member of the church and a true humanitarian, he touched the lives of thousands of people. I am so grateful that this great man was such an important part of my life. He blessed everyone who crossed his path. Rest in peace my dear friend. I will forever cherish your friendship and the example you set for me and for all others who were lucky enough to have you enter their lives.
Doug Fielding
Wilford was a dear friend and inspiration to me.
He was always available and always willing to help a good cause financially or with his time without the need or desire for recognition.
He is a true disciple of Jesus Christ and will be missed.
Jim zaharis
A man who added great value to his community through his service, faith and concern for many. I thoroughly enjoyed his friendship and his service on the Mesa School Board. He had a way of expressing his views with clarity thru poetry and song. Also, he was a heck of a wide receiver for the Mesa High Jackrabbits. He left a powerful mark with the life he lived. I count him as a valued friend.
Clark and Judy Harvey
Bro Cardon was the first person to welcome us into the ward and his friendly face was there each Sunday welcoming each family as they arrived. His sweet smile will be missed.
Leonard & Carole Richards
He was our home teacher for four years … a fellow Rotarian President… and a friend … when the Cardon’s first came to Arizona 1876 … my great grandfather Joseph Hill Richards gave brother Cardon and his two sons special attention