Paul LaVar Jensen

Paul Jensen

Walsh, Colorado

Paul LaVar Jensen,73, of Manti, Utah, passed away on January 5, 2014 at the University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, from severe burns sustained in a farming accident. He was born February 4, 1940 in Manti, to Richard A. and Mildred A. Lowry Jensen and was raised on the Jensen Family Farm in Sterling, Utah with his five brothers: Ricky, Raymond, Kay, Merrell, and Jack Jensen. At the age of 18, he enlisted into the US Navy and served his time on the USS Aludra, spending time in many places, the most memorable being Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1964.

Paul married Marcia Ackerman, October 24, 1958 in Manti. They spent many years together and had six children. They are both preceded in death by their daughter, Janell La Vae Ishmael, who died of a car accident in 1982. A short while later they divorced.

After a time, he married Rockee Starr, July 22, 1998, in Richfield, Utah, and lived the rest of his life by her in Arizona and Colorado.

Paul was a jack-of-all-trades, owning many businesses and farms in his lifetime. He loved and took great pride in his work. He was great at giving advice and teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids life lessons. He loved fishing, hunting, and being outdoors as well as spending time with loved ones.

His biggest joys were his family, his work, and his religion.

He is survived by his wife, Rockee, Walsh, CO; children: Debra (Gary) Hansen, Richfield, UT; Gerene (Kenny) Mason, St. George, UT; Christopher Jensen, Phoenix, AZ; Jerid (Adina) Jensen, Minot, ND; and Karlee (Matt) Welch, St. George, UT; stepchildren: Keith (Cheryl) Starr, Richfield, UT; Summer Jolley, Elkhart, KS; 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brothers: Ricky Jensen, St. George, UT; Raymond (Pamela) Jensen, Tooele, UT; Merrell Jensen, Salt Lake City, UT; Jack (Susan) Jensen, American Fork, UT.

Also preceded in death by parents; brother, Kay (Phyllis) Jensen; sister-in-law, Faye Jensen.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Richfield 10th Ward Chapel, 700 West 200 South. Friends may call Friday from 6-7 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, Richfield; and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the ward chapel. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Manti City Cemetery with military rites by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com