Vernon Leamaster

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HUNTINGTON, UTAH: Vernon Leamaster, age 96, passed away at his home, May 28, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born July 10, 1915 in West Hiawatha, Utah to John Martin Leamaster and Millie Whiting, the 13th of 14 children. Vernon married Leora Jensen in Price, Utah on Feb. 1, 1936. Their marriage was later solemnized Nov. 19, 1948 in the Manti LDS Temple.
Vernon’s early life experiences in West Hiawatha included a secret cave hideout and horseback trips to Huntington and Price. At age 8, the family moved to Provo, Utah for a couple of years. They returned to Castle Valley, settling in Huntington where Vernon lived until he and Leora married in 1936 whereupon they moved to live and work in the coal mine at Hiawatha. In 1944, their small family moved to Huntington; and after several temporary abodes, built the family home in 1951 where Vernon and Leora resided for the remainder of their lives.
In 1944 Vernon and his brothers opened the Leamaster Coal Mine in Huntington Canyon. In the early 1960s, the mine was closed and Vernon worked for the State of Utah Highway Department on the I-70 construction project. In 1965 he went to work for Emery County, where he was well known and respected as the County Road Supervisor, a position he held until his retirement in 1982. Vernon was always engaged with civic and church activities. He served on the Huntington city council and was a long time member of the volunteer fire department, was a member of the Emery County Sheriff’s Posse and also served Emery County as the Civil Defense Director. For many years, Vernon, accompanied by Dean Young, placed American flags along Main Street in Huntington for all of the holidays. He was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had the privilege of serving in five different Bishoprics including serving as Bishop of the Huntington First Ward from 1966-1972. Vernon and Leora served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Carolina from 1989-1990. They also served as temple workers in the Manti, Utah temple.
Vernon was always a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Seldom did any activities involving family members or friends go unattended. He never gave his hard working hands much rest, continually finding opportunities to help build homes for his children, grandchildren and others as well as countless community service and charitable activities.
He will always be known for his charity, gentle ways, positive outlook, excellent advice and kind words for and about every person he knew or met.
He is survived by daughters Edna Kay Fox and Terri Ann (David) Papenfuss, sons Darrel (LaRae) Leamaster and Lynn (LeIla) Leamaster, 20 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Leora Jensen Leamaster, an infant daughter, grandson David Leamaster, great-grandson Jade Sharp. Vernon was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 1, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Huntington First/Fifth LDS Ward Building (115 South 400 East). A viewing was held at the church Thursday, May 31 from 6 – 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment was in the Cleveland City Cemetery. Services were in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Vernon at www.fausettmortuary.com.