Barney Jeffery Auman

Barney Jeffery Auman, a strong, service-oriented, funny, and caring husband, father, and grandpa passed on September 26th, 2019. He was born on November 30th, 1952 in Logan, Utah in the hospital elevator.

Barney joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1973 and served a mission in Birmingham, England where he developed a love of classic architecture. He was married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 25th, 1977 to Jacelyn (Jackie) McMurdie.

While growing their family, Barney worked in the drywall and contracting business. After being inspired by the work of early pioneers on the Salt Lake Temple and encouraged by a special priesthood blessing from a bishop, he started a business creating the architectural pieces he loved so much. He was proud of the jobs he created. In the words of a friend, “His ambitions provided for many families over the years.” He was self-taught and was able to contribute significantly to local and national renovations and restorations. These include the Ellen Eccles Theater, the Dansante, the Thatcher-Young Mansion, the Lyric Theater, the Utah Theater, and Fort McNair in Washington, DC. Barney was particularly proud of the opportunity to design and produce the proscenium of the Utah Theater. He was honored to use his gifts on the set of the LDS Motion Picture Studio production of the New Testament video series. He was a Renaissance Man as he was both artistic and innovative and held several patents and copyrights.

He created adventure in his kids’ and grandkids’ lives and was the “Fun Dad” of the neighborhood and extended family. Barney saw the world through the eyes of a child and gave his children experiences he knew they would enjoy. He didn’t want them to miss an experience from the day they were born. He lived for his grandchildren; he was the first one to play with the grandkids, no matter what it was they wanted to do. From stovetop-burned paper maps, rides on the bus and his motorcycle, repelling from banisters, swinging in the maple tree, and drawing with sidewalk chalk, Barney was always supporting their adventures. His favorite topic of conversation was his grandchildren. They were the focus of his life and he was central to theirs.

He was quick to serve anyone in need. As part of his generous service, he worked with special needs youth with whom he had a deep connection. He was particularly close to Kim, Scott, Joseph, and Sam. Barney was an exceptionally hard worker and passed that ethic on to his children. At a young age his children joined him at his work. He took great care to emphasize the importance of education to his children.

Barney was welcomed home by his parents, Jay and Marguerite, and is survived by his wife Jackie and their children Mandi Jenkins (Casey), Andrew, Trevor (Emily), Dustin (Abbie), Mikelle Williams (Dave), Kate (Joe Ascuito), and eleven wonderful grandchildren.

Viewings will be October 3rd at Allen-Hall Mortuary (34 East Center in Logan) from 6:00-8:00 pm and October 4th at Mt Logan Stake Center (565 East 100 South) from 10:30-11:30 am; funeral service to follow at noon.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net