Verlan Poppleton Gunnell

PRESTON, IDAHO VERLAN GUNNELLPRESTON - Verlan Poppleton Gunnell, 84, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle from an extended illnessHe was born Aug. 25, 1924, in Wellsville, Utah, the son of Evelyn Poppleton and Preston Baxter Gunnell. He attended school in Wellsville and then went to South Cache High School. He attended Utah State University and was then drafted in the US Army on June 2, 1943 and served his country until 1946. At that time, he was a member of the 1st Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in front line combat and was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovery, he was appointed to the Office of Military Government, which was the governing body of Germany after the war ended. A highlight in Berlin was when Eleanor Roosevelt came to Europe with the United Nations. His family cherishes a picture with him and Eleanor sitting next to one another visiting. In 1944, Verlan married LaVone Broadstone in Houston, Texas while in basic training. They were later sealed for all time and eternity in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They together have shared 64 years of marriage. They have a daughter Dixie Gunnell Erickson, and Jeff Gunnell. Verlan spent most of his life in Utah and Idaho. He graduated and received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Utah State University. He worked several years in auto parts and in 1965 he opened Gunnell Auto Parts. He was recognized with a love to serve the public, people, and his community where he operated his own business successfully until his retirement.He was an outstanding athlete throughout his life in all sports. Many special honors have been awarded to him. In his later years, he enjoyed golf where he won the Club Championship twice. He made two holes in one during his golfing career and he held the record for many years. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as first counselor in the bishopric, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Sunday School teacher, and a faithful home teacher. Verlan is survived by all who love him dearly including his wife LaVone, of Preston, his daughter Dixie Erickson, Pocatello, ID; his son Jeff (Beverly) Gunnell, Preston; grandsons, Lon (Keva) Erickson, Rob Erickson, Jon Erickson, Jamen Gunnell, and granddaughters Angie (Keith) Sleight, and Lindsey (Justin) Johnson, great grandsons Brenner Erickson, Jayden Erickson, Landon Erickson, great granddaughter Kora Erickson, and two brothers Parley (Joyce) Gunnell, and Ray (Verda) Gunnell. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Preston Gunnell, and three sisters Evelyn, Jane, and Laura Lee.Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Preston 10th Ward Chapel, 155 North 2nd West, in Preston with Bishop Mike Andrus conducting. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 109 East Oneida in Preston and Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Church. Interment will be in the Wellsville, Utah Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.webbmortuary.com.