Jon Muir Lunsford peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on Monday, June 30.
He was born 87 years ago on Nov. 13, 1937, in Evanston, to Lawson Kilgoar Lunsford and Carma (Spencer) Lunsford. On Dec. 6, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie (South) Lunsford in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived most of their lives together in Evanston, except for a few years in Perry, Utah, where Jon worked for Thiokol.
They then moved back to Evanston, where he worked for South and Jones Timber Company and owned a Texaco Service Station. Jon was a volunteer firefighter and a volunteer EMT. He was later appointed to fire chief for the city of Evanston and promoted to the chief officer of Uinta Fire County Fire District and joint powers board.
Jon had a passion for fire and ambulance services. He made many lifelong friends and colleagues in the community and around the state during his career. He worked very hard after becoming the fire chief to earn his bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration.
Jon was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous church callings such as bishop, temple worker, and temple sealer at the Ogden Temple.
Jon and Connie had six children together. Jon is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Connie Lunsford; and his children, Doug (Susan), Jonna (Kenny), Dan (Judy), Rick (Leslie), Heidi (Mike) and Jamie (Jared).
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and two brothers, Keith and Edwin.
Jon will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He will forever be a hero to his children and grandchildren. We would like to thank the family friends, visitors and the staff at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Evanston, and the wonderful nurses who showed him unconditional love and joked and laughed with him daily.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Sage Street chapel. Viewing was Sunday, July 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Crandall Funeral Home and prior to services Monday at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Interment was at the Evanston City Cemetery.
