Theron "Gunner" Chris Willardsen

Gunner Willardsen

Manti, Utah

Late Sunday afternoon, July 28, 2013, in Manti, Theron Chris "Gunner" Willardsen was released from his families’ arms and was embraced by Christ. Theron tackled his bout with Leukemia with the same effervescence and tenacity that he brought into all of his endeavors. Gunner was a successful businessman and loving father survived by two grown sons, their wives and two vivacious granddaughters.

Gunner entered the world on October 13 ^, 1960 in Ephraim, Utah. From that moment until his death, he managed to pave his own way through life. At a young age Theron learned the value of work, which he brought into his enterprises. Theron spent his early years laboring on the family dairy farm; from there he served our country as a medic in the Air Force, after marrying Susan Smith and starting his family. After an honorable departure from the service he started what would become a successful automotive collision repair facility; the proceeds of which he used to build his own little paradise in the form of a roping arena in Hooper, Utah. That arena became a sanctuary for him filled with family and friends. Gunner successfully sold his business appropriately named "Gunner’s" and began a career in real-estate. The working period of his life was abruptly ended with his diagnosis in late 2011.

A month before passing, Theron married Deena Bown Evans in Manti, Utah. Theron is survived by Deena; his eldest son, Blaine, and wife Jennifer, and their children, Addisen and Alexsen; his youngest, Kevin and wife Megan Willardsen; father, Chris and step-mother, Terri Morris-Willardsen; mother, Helene Willardsen; brother, Adam; and sister, Vicki (Alan) Gurney.

Theron was preceded in death by grandparents: George and Edith Willardsen; Ray and Phyllis Madsen; and his nephew Seth Gurney.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Ephraim LDS Stake Center, 400 East Center, where friends may call on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Burial will be in the Ephraim Park Cemetery with military rites by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.