Newel Clayton Kofford #1 Grandpa! Newel Clayton Kofford, 92, died February 2, 2007 in Malad, Idaho. He was born in Castle Dale, Utah July 6, 1914 to Clayton and Sydonia Gould Kofford. He married Ione Larsen Dec. 24, 1934 in Castle Dale. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple July 23, 1943. They celebrated 70 years of marriage. Newel was a longtime resident of Castle Dale for 70 years. He lived several years in Payson, Utah. He and his father, Clayton, were "great" friends. They worked on their farm, raised sheep, and did predator control for the Fish and Game. He was a coal miner for "40" years. He became the "face boss" because of his great example as a "safe" miner. He trained in First Aid and Mine Rescue. He helped in three major mine disasters - the Sunnyside and Diementi Mines in Carbon County, and Potash Mine in Moab. The Kofford family also operated and owned a Polar King. He could make a great hamburger! He also spent several years as a councilman of Castle Dale. He was active in the LDS Church, managing the LDS Welfare Farm in Emery County. He was a high priest. He loved to fish, hunt, camp, and ride his horse "Big Red" in his "beloved" Joe's Valley with family and friends. His grandchildren were his "golden stars." He treated them with his love and knowledge of life! So-o-o- special! Newel and Ione loved and appreciated their deep roots, planted in Castle Dale by their parents and grandparents. They will forever lovingly and proudly call Emery County their "Home." Survived by son, Lloyd (Margaret Ann), Midvale; daughter, Nedra Blackburn, Malad, ID; grandchildren, Lora Lee, Mary Lynn, Kevin, Jeffrey and Melanie; eight great-grandchil-dren; three great great-grandchil-dren; one brother, Don Kofford. Preceded in death by wife, Ione; grandson, Barry Kay; and brother, Rex. A visitation with family and friends will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 from 10-11 a.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 So. State, Midvale. A service will follow at the mortuary, 11 a.m. A gathering for friends and relatives will be held in Castle Dale at the LDS Church, 2:30 p.m. followed by interment at the Castle Dale Cemetery. Special thanks to daughter, Nedra Blackburn; and granddaughter, Melanie Barber, for the special care he received from them for the last two years.
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