Justin Wade Gunnell

WELLSVILLE, Utah -- Justin Wade Gunnell, 24, passed away September 26, 2005 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident that also took the lives of eight of his friends and classmates. Justin was born in Logan, Utah on February 8, 1981 to Paul and Merlynn Gunnell. He was the youngest of five children and was very close to his family.

He grew up on the family farm in Mount Sterling and Wellsville and graduated from Mountain Crest High School in 1999. He was active in the FFA and was well-liked and respected by everyone who knew him. Justin served an honorable LDS mission to Birmingham, England from 2001-2003. After returning, he married his sweetheart and best friend, Connie Israelsen, on December 23, 2003 in the Logan LDS Temple for time and all eternity. They had a special relationship and a beautiful marriage.

Justin was an active member of the Wellsville 2nd Ward and was serving as an Elders Quorum Instructor. He completed the Dairy Herdsman program at Utah State University and was working towards a degree in Ag Mechanics at USU. He was president of the Ag Tech Club and loved the people he associated with there. He was employed by the USU Farm Crew with Doyle Knudsen and at ABS with Don Durrant. He also worked at the USU Caine Dairy for several years where he met Connie. He loved farming, animals, and John Deere tractors. He also had a special love for his family and many friends.

Justin lived a happy and vibrant life. He had the best smile and laughed often. He was a hard worker and sensitive to the needs of other people. He enjoyed helping others and was sincerely concerned about their welfare.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Israelsen Gunnell; parents Paul and Merlynn Gunnell; siblings Jennifer (Lee) Reeder, Jeff (Jill), Jana, and JayDee (Allison); parents-in-law Clark and Marsha Israelsen; siblings Marlene, Jacob (Brittney), Karl, Seth, Andrea, Ross, Maria, Daniel, and Benson; and ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Grandpa and Grandma Gunnell.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, at the Wellsville Stake Center, 30 South Center, Wellsville. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, Logan, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Wellsville Stake Center. Burial will be in the Wellsville Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family by going to www.allenmortuaries.net . The family wishes to express thanks to those who have been so supportive at this difficult time. We love you, Justin, and we’ll miss you deeply.