Obituary: LaForge Alva Lovell

LaForge Alva Lovell 11/26/1914 ~ 9/5/2006 LEAMINGTON, UT - LaForge Alva Lovell "Gramps", passed away in Nephi, UT on September 5, 2006 at the age of 91, after a short battle with severe diverticulitis. He was born on Thanksgiving day, November 26, 1914 in Leamington UT. Dad was the third son born to James Edward and Hansine Nielson Lovell. Jerald, Welby and LaForge were later greeted by a baby sister Zola. Dad lost his father to the dreaded flu in February of 1920. He grew up and was educated in Leamington and Delta where he graduated in 1933. After graduating, LaForge helped his siblings run the Jack Hill farm on the McIntyre Ranch until 1937. He attended BYU where he graduated with a degree in elementary education in 1940. He met Louise Peterson of Blanding while teaching in LaSal, UT. They were married in the Manti Temple on August 3, 1941. Dad served his country as a Military Policeman during World War II from 1943-46, After the war, he taught school in Portland, purchased and operated a general store in Leamington and taught school in Lynndyl (Principal) and Delta. In 1947 Dad purchased a small farm up Leamington Canyon. He continued to run his farm and a few cattle well into his 80's. He retired from teaching in 1978 after over 30 years. Dad was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many stake and ward capacities including High Councilman, Bishop's councilor, Sunday School President/Teacher. He was a Home Teacher at the time of his death. Dad touched many lives, both students and adults, while teaching school. He loved his students and they loved him. He was a tease and always had a story to tell, some of them true, some of them not. In his later years he loved to drive to Delta nearly every day and shoot the breeze with people in the local businesses. His many friendships lasted a lifetime. He lost his best friend and wife of 64 years, Louise, in December of 2005. He is survived by his brother Welby of Salt Lake City; sons: Kay (Jane) of Milpitas, California; Norman (Barbara) of Payson; Phil (Marjorie) and Sylvan (JoRae) all of Leamington; daughters: Mayna Burnside (Randy) of Provo; and Lena Lovell of Lynndyl. He is adored by 30 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2006 in the Leamington Ward Chapel. Friends may call Friday evening 7-8 p.m. at the Nickle Mortuary and Saturday at the church 9:30-10:45 a.m. Burial Leamington Cemetery.