my grandfather’s obituary
One of my cousins sent me this today. I looked in the local papers in Utah but couldn’t find it, so I’m not sure which paper it appeared in. Anyway, it’s up here now:
Earl Budge Cragun
PLEASANT VIEW - On Saturday, May 6, 2006, after years of continuous dedication to family, friends and church, Earl Budge Cragun, 97, of Pleasant View has returned to his Heavenly Home to be reunited with those
there who have been patiently waiting. He has departed from his family and friends with a loving legacy of unfaltering honesty and devotion.
All of us will remember Earl’s life as more than just a string of events, but his first important milestone was his birth on January 24, 1909 in Pleasant View, to Mormon and Annie May Budge Cragun. After completing his first LDS mission to England he married Mildred Rhees on September 30, 1931 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Pleasant View was their home together for 67 years until she died in 2001.
Earl will be remembered as a man who was fully devoted to his family. He and Mildred are the parents of seven children: Molly Ann Cragun of Pleasant View; Janet (Leon) Woodfield of Springville; Helen (H. Ray) Johnson of Ogden; Norma Rae (Albert) Liston of Pleasant View; Earl Brent (Genie) Cragun of Mountain Green; David Rhees Cragun (Leah) deceased; and Connie Mildred (Rex) Belnap of Richfield; 35 grandchildren and 96 great-grandchildren are the benefactors of Earl and Mildred’s encouragement, love and example. His family will always remember the love and concern shown them by their caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Having been raised on a farm, Earl thrived on a hard day’s work and gained an appreciation for an honestly earned dollar. Such virtues were firmly implanted in his children and posterity. While obtaining Bachelor and Master degrees at Weber and Utah State Universities, he was a teacher and principal in Ogden and Weber County schools and was able to influence many students and teachers. This influence continues today. Among other business ventures, he was a pioneer in the self-service gasoline business and in mechanical fruit harvesting.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was dedicated to living its teachings. In addition to his church mission in England, he later served three missions with his wife, Mildred, and served in many church positions including that of Bishop. He and Mildred were among the original officiators in the Ogden Temple, proving by example that temple service was very important to them.
Earl’s service to his community and others provided significant help and support to many individuals whose lives he touched. He never stopped teaching, he never stopped caring; he never stopped working to make this world a better place.
During a 20 year period, Earl and Mildred visited 48 countries and all 50 states. They gained love and respect for people everywhere. His beautiful flowers and his Christmas lawn display were very important to him as an expression of beauty and of love for Christ and Christmas season.
His example instilled in his family worthwhile and proven virtues, honesty in all things and a love of serving the Lord. Earl’s parting words were “my mission here is ended. The sun in my earth life has set. Until that glorious day when we shall, with tears of joy, renew that warm embrace in our Heavenly Home, please know and feel the warmth of my genuine love.”
Loved ones wish to express genuine gratitude to family, neighbors, friends, health care providers and many others who have given him care and expressions of love. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Earl is survived by a brother Lewis Budge Cragun and sisters Ruth C. Rhees, Margaret C. Jones and Lou Jean C. Pulsipher.
He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Millie, his son David, two brothers Paul B. Cragun and Weldon B. Cragun, and two sisters Edna C. Wheelwright and Frances C. Rhees.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant View 12th Ward Chapel, 896 W. Pleasant View Drive, Pleasant View, UT.
Friends may call at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 North Washington Blvd. on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at the Ward Chapel from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.
E-mail condolences to the family at lom@lindquistmortuary.com
