October 11, 1932 – January 2015
Our loving father, Melvin Hyrum Gardner, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by love from his family. Mel was born Oct. 11, 1932, in St. George, Utah, to Leornal and Partha Jacobsen Gardner. He was a twin to Malin Gardner and was the 5th of 8 children. He met the love of his life, Belva Sue Hunting, and married her for eternity Nov. 1, 1952, in the St. George Temple.
His youth was spent between St. George and the family ranch in Central. After graduating from Dixie College, Mel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Early in their married life, Melvin and Belva moved to Enterprise, Utah, making it their home. Mel was an entrepreneur, farmer, real estate broker, loved his Nevada cattle ranch and took any opportunity to work with his sons in many different ventures.
He loved hunting, fishing, prospecting and the mountains; however, his greatest love was his family. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived his life serving the lord and sharing his testimony by example. He was called to serve in the St. George LDS temple and enjoyed serving there for 10 years. People who knew him considered him a giant, in stature, in character, in life.
He is survived by his wife, Belva of Enterprise, Utah; children, Melvin Dale (Amber) of Enterprise, Kendall (Annette) of Enterprise, Gary (Stacy) of New Castle, Utah, Jeffery (Christy) of New Castle, Utah, Penne (Wendell) Robinson of Henderson, Nevada, Jana (Scott) Carter of Enterprise, Utah, and DeAnna (Jeffrey) Barlow of Price, Utah; 43 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren; brothers, Leo Gardner of Boulder, Utah, Malin Gardner (twin brother), and George Gardner, both of Enterprise, Utah; sisters, Helen Carter, Mary Simmons and Ann Cannon, all of St. George.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Ann; brother, Edward; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 11 a.m., in the Enterprise 4th & 5th Ward Chapel, 620 E. Main St., Enterprise, Utah.
- There will be a viewing held Friday evening, 5-7 p.m. at the Church.
- An additional viewing will also be held prior to services Saturday, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Interment will take place in the Enterprise Cemetery.
Arrangements have been made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends may sign Melvin’s guestbook online.