He was born December 7, 1925, to Eric Herman Wakeman and Beulah Muir Wakeman. He grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He attended Idaho Falls High School with a 3 year letter in basketball. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1943. He studied one year at Stanford University. He served in the World War II in the 94th Chemical Motor Battalion. He served in England, France, Germany, and Austria from 1943-1946. He returned to Utah and attended the University of Utah for 3 years.

He lived in Salt Lake City and was the collection manager of the Freed Finance Company. He later moved back to Idaho Falls and worked for The Mart, Petersen Furniture and retired from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in 1987.

He married Beverly Nelson Call on June 17, 1961, in Elko, Nevada and became the father of 4, the day before Father's Day 1961.

He was a member of the Elks Club BPOE 1087 and was an avid golfer and bowler.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing card games with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverly, of Idaho Falls; and daughters, C J (David) Godfrey of Rexburg, ID. and Allyson Akers of Idaho Falls, ID; a son, Kevin (Teresa) Wakeman of Pocatello, ID; a daughter-in-law, Karen Wakeman of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Maxine Hagerty of Tucson, AZ; a niece, Nancy Hagerty of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Jean Wakeman of Las Vegas, NV, and sister-in-law, Dori Wakeman of Boise, ID; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steven Wakeman, and brothers: Dean, Keith, Jim and Jay Wakeman, and a sister, Mildred Patterson.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Nov 1, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 1st Street. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.