Elmer Gene Willoughby

COVE, UTAH: Gene Willoughby, 78, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday evening, June 13, 2010. He was born on April 25, 1932 to Shirley Blanford and Ann Nazaryk Willoughby in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He attended school in Cheyenne, and Denver, graduating from East High School in Denver in 1950. He served in the Naval Reserves & attended the University of Wyoming. Gene went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne and retired in 1999. He married Lynette Copen in 1952. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan LDS Temple in 1953.
Gene and Lynette moved to Cove, UT in 2003. Gene was an Ordinance worker in the Denver LDS Temple and following their move, he officiated in the Logan Temple until his death.
In his younger years Gene was a true rodeo cowboy. His love of animals took him from bareback bronc riding to bull riding and even to the ground as a bullfighter (rodeo clown).
Recently, Gene has been a guest speaker at a number ofLDS Firesides where he discussed his rodeo experiences and his conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has always had the ability to entertain and touch hearts with his fun- loving yet spiritual approach to the Gospel. His testimony of Jesus Christ has been an inspiration and strength to his friends and family for many years. Gene has served in many capacities in the LDS church including Elder's Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader and in the Bishopric in Cheyenne. Together, Gene and Lynette served a mission in the Torrington, WY ward helping to fellowship less active members.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lynette; son, Michael Gene; daughters, Janis (Tim) Cline, Nita (Pat) Smith, Cindy Stockdale, Gay Lynn (Doug) Williams; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister, Shirley Wood of Elizabeth, Colorado.
Funeral services will be held in the Cove LDS Ward, Cove, UT on Friday, June 18 at 1 :00 pm. Viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 pm and 1 hour prior to services. Interment will follow in the Mendon City Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.allenmortuaries.net Arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary of Logan.