George Thomas Murdock, Sr., known as "Tom", passed away January 4, 2000.
He was born February 24, 1917 on an Indian reservation in Arcadia (Red Cap), Utah, now known as Ioka. His parents were Lawrence Lee and Myrtle Lee Meranda Murdock. He grew up in Utah and Phoenix, Arizona and married his sweetheart, Ellora Lalovi Fish on February 13, 1940 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tom was called to serve in the Central States Mission at age 17. When he returned he completed high school at Phoenix Union High. As a Stake Missionary he taught thousands over the years and wrote and distributed missionary literature sent all over the world. He loved music, had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing at many occasions.
Tom had a great love for people evidenced by his greeting to everyone: "Howdy, Neighbor!" He also had tremendous compassion for those in need, reaching out daily to lend a helping hand wherever one was needed.
Tom was fearless as well as innovative. As an entrepreneur he started numerous businesses of various kinds. He pioneered air conditioning in Arizona during World War II. He founded Nature's Way Products in 1969 as a result of his searching for a treatment to relieve his wife, Lalovi, who was suffering from cancer. He has been acknowledged as a pioneer of the natural and holistic movement in America leading the renaissance of botanical medicines in the 1970's. Nature's Way Products originated in Phoenix, AZ and was relocated to Provo, UT in 1974.
After sharing 53 years, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Lalovi on July 1993. Tom is survived by his five children: Carolyn (Eldon) Hastings of Gilbert, AZ; George Thomas Jr. (Marilyn "Mimi") Murdock of Orem, UT; Ken Murdock of Springville, UT; Madelyn (Vincent) Mrykalo of Provo, UT; Marlene (Dale) Black of Springville, UT; 30 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Alice (Jay) Burton of Hemet, CA; Lurrene Childs of Littleton, CO.
The family is grateful for the frequent visits and devotion shown by Kristin Murdock and the loving, daily care by the Dale and Margie Wyler family of Orem, UT.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 8, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the Hobble Creek Stake Center, 555 South 600 East, Springville, UT. A viewing will be held Friday, January 7th from 7-9 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, UT. A viewing will also be held at the church on Saturday before the funeral from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East, Springville, UT.