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In Memory

Karl Thurber - Class of 1950

Karl G. Thurber passed away on June 11, 2015. Services Saturday, June 13, 2015, at the LDS Chapel: 3963 South Peachwood Drive, West Valley City, UT. Viewing is at 9:00 a.m., funeral at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers you may make donations to the family.

Karl Garner Thurber, our beloved great-grandfather, grandfather, father, husband, friend and hero died peacefully in his home on June 11, 2015. He is survived by a posterity of 100 individuals, little Lydia Shettell being born just a few days before his death bringing the total to an even 100. He lived a life with no regrets, having made full use of the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, and sharing his convictions and beliefs through word and deed. He served a full-time mission for the LDS Church in Ontario Canada from 1954-55, and married Viola Lillywhite in 1956. Together they served another full-time mission in Columbia, South Carolina. 

His sense of humor and infectious smile, along with his simple commitment to always choose the right endear him to all who enter into his sphere of influence, which extends far beyond his family. He is an artist at heart, creating and building many wonders in poetry, music, brick, wood and stone. 

He was born in Carey, Idaho on September 8, 1932, and passed away peacefully in his home on June 11, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Viola Lillywhite Thurber, his 9+1 children, Nila Jane Autry, (Charles), Cindy Ranae Broderick, (Ernie), (+1 unofficially adopted at around 16 years of age) Marilyn Louise Bingham Eyre, (Darrell), Merlene Gay Shettell, (Mark), Ronald Karl Thurber, (Julie Sluga), Dale King Thurber, Shanna Dawn Shapiro, (Ethan), Spencer Neil Thurber, (Lorena Arroyo), Alan Royce Thurber, (Kala Higgins), and Amy Jill Bateman, (Byron). Nine of his ten children served full-time missions for the LDS Church, which tradition extends to many of his grandchildren, also choosing to serve full-time missions for our Savior. 

He worked as a rock and brick mason off and on throughout his life. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music, spending 17 years in the public education system, teaching band and orchestra and also teaching many private lessons. His love and appreciation for music extended to all of his posterity, and he has left us a legacy, not only of musical appreciation, skill and love, but he has also written many hymns, poems, and wittingly-worded works. He loved his many church callings, which included choir director for many ward choirs, gospel doctrine teacher for many years, and serving as a Bishop twice. He told stories and composed songs to teach us the gospel, or give us needed guidance and encouragement for whatever we were facing.

He loves and cherishes his wife unceasingly, eternally, and is her best friend and confidant. In their later years he rarely left her side, attending all events together, protecting and supporting her always, in every possible way.

He died of Lymphoma Cancer, having been a silent sufferer until he finally received a correct diagnosis just a week or so before his death. He will be sorely missed. We look forward to a glorious reunion in our heavenly home.

The family would like to express gratitude to Solstice Hospice Care and Valley View Funeral Home for their loving and attentive service during this most difficult time.