Kenyon Jensen

Kenyon Jensen
Gunnison, Utah

Kenyon James Jensen, age 79, passed away peacefully, at his home, in Gunnison on May 25, 2022. He was born August 17, 1942, in Salina, Sevier County, Utah, to Grover James and Reva Harding Jensen. Kenyon grew up in Axtell, above the tracks, and moved to Gunnison as a teenager. He was a Gunnison Valley High School graduate. Kenyon was proud of the fact that his father was the first baby boy born in Utah after it was declared a state.

Kenyon married LaVon Allen on June 3, 1965 in Ely, NV. They made their home in Gunnison, where they spent their entire married life. They never felt the need to leave this wonderful valley. Kenyon and LaVon were blessed with and raised 6 children: Julie, Michelle, Kirk, Kelly, Kenny, and Joe. They’ve been married for 57 wonderful years.

Kenyon worked in construction and as a truck driver, before starting his own excavation business in the 1970’s, Kenyon Jensen Excavating and Grading. He took pride in his work and was an excellent equipment operator. He dug the straightest trench in the valley.  Kenyon spent his career working in the Gunnison Valley doing many jobs for people in his local community. His faithful German shepherd, Kone, could often be seen with him on the job site. He passed many of his skills and talents to his sons and grandsons.

Kenyon and his best friend LaVon were inseparable; some of their favorite things to do together were countless family camping trips up 12 mile, trips to Mesquite and dancing at Stigg’s. They could often be found on a day trip arrowhead hunting, usually with a grandkid or two in tow. Kenyon loved getting the family together to go on a picnic or day trip all around the state.

Kenyon loved all of his 23 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids. He enjoyed spoiling them and usually had a houseful of grandkids to babysit, which he often volunteered for. Kenyon was notorious for nicknaming his grandchildren, many of which have stuck for life. He was also proud of the fact that he had a son, grandson, and great-grandson share his name. The grandchildren will cherish the memories of sitting on Grandpa’s lap in his recliner while he read them story after story, dancing in the living room, and coming to visit on Sundays.

Kenyon had the best sense of humor and would laugh so hard at a good joke he couldn’t stop. He enjoyed telling stories and visiting with friends and family.

Kenyon enjoyed tending the fire in his wood stove while watching tv: Jazz games, The Price is Right and Fox News were some of his favorites. You could also find him enjoying the view from his home and sitting by the window. His hobbies included restoring and driving John Deere tractors, sheep camps and putting around on his 4 wheeler.

Kenyon is survived by his wife LaVon; his children: Julie (Lyle) Young, Gunnison; Michelle (Kenneth) Nielsen, Delta; Kirk (Kim) Jensen, Gunnison; Kelly (Hope) Jensen, Gunnison; Kenny Jensen (Anne Jackson), Gunnison; Joe (Angie) Jensen, Gunnison. He also leaves behind his 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Inouye and Wade Anderson, and Gunnison Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Kenyon over the years.

Graveside services and interment will be held Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gunnison Cemetery. Friends may call for a viewing prior to the graveside from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com