Reid Jay Gunnell passed from this life in the early hours of Monday, Jan. 21, 2002, after a brief battle with heart failure. He was71-years-old.
Reid was born on Jan. 6, 1931 in Alexander, ID, the youngest son of Evan and Ruby Gunnell. He received two degrees from Idaho State University and it was there that he met and married his sweetheart, Joan Hargrave. He later received his doctoral degree from BYU. He coached in Afton, WY for four years before accepting a coaching and professorial position at California State University, Los Angeles, where he taught for 34 years; they raised their five children in the city of Arcadia. Reid and Joan retired to Orem, UT six years ago and have served since that time in various positions at the Missionary Training Center. At the time of his death he and his wife were serving a full-time mission at the MTC.
He is survived by his wife Joan; his children, Reid W. Gunnell of Beavercreek, OH, Karen Baughman of Auburn, WA, Julie Kofoed of Bountiful, David J. Gunnell of North Las Vegas, NV, and Sherri Rogers of Orem; 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren; his 94-year-old mother, Ruby; a brother, Clarence, of Hurricane, UT; and his beloved mother-in-law, Macie Davey.
Funeral services will be held Friday January 25 at 11 a.m. at the Heatheridge Stake Center, 450 E. 2000 North, Orem, preceded by a viewing from 9:30-10:30.
Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery.