Homer Fay Furgason

Homer Fay Furgason, 67, of West Valley City, UT quietly returned home on March 1st 2012. Homer was born Dec. 17, 1944 in LePanto AR, the first child of Ola Faye and Homer W. Furgason.
As a young child, he looked after his baby sister Sandra Sue, while his parents worked as sharecroppers on an Arkansas cotton farm.
At age nine, his family embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was baptized in a wooden box lined with black plastic at a southern states conference presided over by Gordon B. Hinkley who signed his baptismal certificate.
Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Oregon where his father had found employment as an electrician. The family traveled following the work throughout the northwest. In Jr. High and High School, Homer was a talented athlete and participated in many sports including gymnastics, Wrestling, and Football. Homer was sometimes teased because of is unusually well developed physique occasionally being called Captain America. He was also honored as his high school MVP football player for his work as linebacker. He reveled in knocking the opposing team's quarter back unconscious.
Homer attended 44 different schools before graduating from South Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon - Class of 1963. He then went on to get his Associates of Science Degree in elementary education from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho - Class of 1968.
He worked with his father most evenings on construction jobs and building the family's first home as a boy after school and on most weekends. It is here that he learned to work hard and developed his electrical trade that later enabled him to care for his family.
In 1963, Homer volunteered to serve in the US Navy because he knew that he would be able to serve as a Seabee. Homer exemplified the Seabee motto of "can do". It was at this time that he met Joe Brandon a friend whose influence helped lead him to gain a testimony of the gospel during his first months in Okinawa. During this period he chose to read the Book of Mormon. This was the first book he had ever read cover to cover.
He served his country building the US Naval hospital and several village schools, as well as running patrols in the Marble Mountain area in Da Nang, South Vietnam. At the same time, he served his Father in Heaven as one of Vietnam's first LDS serviceman missionaries and participated in the first LDS conference ever held in the Republic of South Vietnam.
Also while in Okinawa in 1965 he met his future wife Helen Luaine Hunt. He loved to tell the story of how they met and became engaged on their second date. On October 19, 1966, Homer and Luaine were sealed in the Salt Lake City, LDS Temple by Spencer W. Kimball. They have shared 45 years together, and anyone who knows them understands the depth of their devotion to each other, their faith, and their family. They are the proud parents of 6 children, 5 children in-law, and doting grandparents of 19 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Homer was a Master Electrician and member of the IBEW. He was self employed as an electrical contractor with his own business, Furgason Electric. He would proudly point out the buildings and homes that he had personally wired. He also worked at the Salt Palace where he spent 18 years as the head of the electrical department. He was always a dedicated worker, and a mentor to many in the trade. He was especially proud of his work as an Electrical Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America.
To those who knew him best, his real passion (next his family) was junk cars. He was always on the look out for a needy or homeless car to save. He often said that the cars came to him. He derived great pleasure from working on cars with his children whether they liked it or not. One of his great triumphs was putting together a firebird from cardboard boxes full of parts with his daughter, Katie.
Homer loved music. He played the trumpet, guitar, and dabbled with the banjo. He sang in church choirs, and with his family. He often sang classic rock and roll oldies with the radio, and was fond of bluegrass music and the Beach Boys. He especially loved watching and listening to his children and grand children perform.
He honored his priesthood. He held many LDS church callings including Scout Master, Stake High Council member, Home Teacher and two terms as Bishop. He did his very best to follow the counsel of church leaders. He bore his testimony often, especially at home to his family.
He was always willing to help, and spent many hours serving the members of his community. He served because it was what he wanted to do with no expectations of payment for his efforts. Homer is survived by his wife Luaine; children: Vieta & Bob Durfee, Payson, UT., Lana Michelson, Wes & Tammy Furgason, Magna, UT., John & Dawn Furgason, Katie & Chris Larsen, Tooele, UT; and Josh & Tressa Furgason, WVC, UT.; grandchildren: Jessica & Lonny Bell, Trisha, William, Millie and Rachel Durfee, Benjamin Michaelson, Elizabeth & Quinn Adams, Pearl Furgason, Monroe, Cassie, Brindy & Jacey Furgason, Brixxon, Alexandria, Kaitlynn & Liam Furgason, Chase & Elise Larsen; Robbie Furgason, great-granddaughter Rebecca Adams; sister: Sandra Sue Perkins, Pasco, WA and numerous loved ones and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings Shirley Anne, John and Ben.
The Furgason Family wishes to thank all those who have offered their time and comfort during the past months. Your generosity and kindness has been sincerely appreciated.
Viewing and Funeral Services: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Viewing held from 7 - 9 pm at Valley View Ward, 5180 W. 4700 S., WVC, UT..
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Viewing from 9-9:45 am at Valley View Ward, 5180 W. 4700 S., WVC, UT.. Funeral services will follow at 10 am.
Internment will follow at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W. 4100 S. WVC, UT.