Gary Prazen

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CARBONVILLE – Frank Gary Prazen beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and patriarch passed away at home from a broken heart. Gary is now reunited with the love of his life Janet Casey Prazen. Since Janet’s passing, Gary has not been the same. He was the son of Frank and Lucille Prazen. He spent his younger years helping and learning from his dad. Later he ran away from home and went to California. After about a year, he came back to Price, and he worked with his father at Pioneer Welding where he fine-tuned his artistic abilities. This establishment is where he first laid eyes on Janet. He turned to a co-worker and said: “I’m going to marry that gal.”
This statement led to nearly 60 years of wonderful marriage. In the beginning, Gary and Janet lived in California where he worked at Douglas Aircraft and Aerotech General. In California, he worked several jobs and sold artwork on the side.
When they came back to Price, Gary was a member of the Jaycees, the Masonic Lodge, and the local Elk’s Lodge. He was also Carbon County Commissioner. He worked at the College of Eastern Utah where he enjoyed teaching students, especially those who were hard to reach. His artistic career was launched when John Wayne came to Carbon County. Someone dared him to make a bronze sculpture of the famous actor. Inspiration soon followed, and he created an amazing sculpture of John Wayne who endorsed the artwork. Gary opened up Original Creations Inc., in 1980 where he created bronze sculptures that reflected the mining community. His sculptures are known throughout the world.
Gary was a family man and was fond of taking his family to Lake Powell. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, golfing, and especially working. When Janet and Gary built their octagon house in Carbonville, they were both there with a hammer and nails. They built their home themselves, and it was filled with love for 40 years. They wouldn’t have traded it for a castle.
Survived by son Dan Prazen, daughter Mila (Bill) Sisneros, adopted daughters Heather (Greg) Schmitz, Patricia (Danny) Blanton, morally adopted son Charles (Leatrice) Adaleye, grandchildren, Kristen (Ryan) Halazon, Kelly Prazen, Shamar Adaleye, Janessa Adaleye. Great-grandchildren, Leandra Prazen, Danni Blanton, Michael Schmitz, Gracie Ellis-Prazen, and Luke Blanton. His sister, Shirley (Jerry) Hastings and brother, Richard (Ann) Prazen.
Preceded in death by his father, Frank Prazen, mother, Lucille Prazen, brother, Fred Prazen, and his beloved wife, Janet Prazen.
Special thanks to Dan Prazen for being with Gary in his final moments.
A celebration of life will be held to remember Gary and Janet Prazen on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Carbon Country Club from 4-6 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfunleralhome.net.