Hyrum Abel Christensen

Hyrum Christensen
Cannonville, Utah

Hyrum Abel Christensen, 86, passed away August 13, 2012 in Panguitch, Utah. He was born May 18, 1926 in American Fork  to Hyrum M and Rosa Abel Christensen. He married Sylvia Jean Bradshaw, December 18, 1950 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She preceded him in death September 13, 1993.

Hyrum served honorably in the Pacific Islands during World War II .  While in the military he was gunner on a B-29 bomber.  He also earned his wings.  One of his greatest accomplishments during his service was being part of the group of pilots that dropped supplies to the American POW’s in Japan.

Hyrum spent much of his life educating others.   He taught science and math at Tooele Jr. High for over 30 years.  While there he was known by many as the “mad scientist” that had “gross things in bottles at the back of the room, beakers and Bunsen burners with strange things brewing, always wore a lab coat and he had a skeleton in his closet.” He also taught in Leysin, Switzerland for a year, and at Sorenson’s Boys Ranch in Koosharm.

He was an avid bicyclist until he had the opportunity to ride a tricycle.  From then on he was on three wheels more than his two feet.

He enjoyed spending time hunting, using both archery and rifle.  He was known to tell people that he was a good hunter, just not a very good finder.  It was the time spent in the hills with family and friends that meant the most to him.  He even has a current archery permit for this year.

He was an active member  of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings.  While living in Tooele he was the music director for 15 straight years.
He loved music of all kinds.  He learned how to play many instruments including piano, baritone, flute, trombone and drums.  He even tried his hand at some lesser known ones such as the didgeridoo and the mandolin.

He loved the town of Cannonville.  Even though he only spent three years there, he felt like it was home.  The family would like to express their thanks for all the acts of kindness that were shown to him.

He is survived by children: Sylvia (John) Henderson, St. Paul, NE; Mary Lynn Christensen, Eagle Mountain; Brad (Beverly) Christensen, Tooele; Paul Christensen, Taylorsville; George (Karen) Christensen, Nampa, ID; Rosa Dover, Hurricane; Sarah (Daniel) Rose, Henrieville; and Dawn Wright, Salt Lake City; 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren. and one great-great-grandchild on the way; siblings: Mary Ellen Welling, Tremonton; LuEva Palmer, Fruitland, ID; Afton (Paul) Curritt, Cashmere, WA; Peggy (Don) Bateman, Issaquah, WA; Rosa May (Burt) Smith, Perry; Virginia (Mark) Farman, Greenacres, WA; Georgia (Verl) Garrard, Salem, OR; Meda (Owen) Murphy, Tremonton.

Also preceded in death by parents; sister, Ann Methley, brothers-in-law, Burt Smith, Earl Glen.


Funeral services will be held Friday, August 17, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Henrieville Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the ward chapel in Henrieville on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Tooele City Cemetery on Saturday at 1 p.m. with military rites. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti

** There will be no viewing on Thursday evening

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