Richard Adams Miner

Richard A. Miner our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend returned to his Father in Heaven through the loving arms of his beloved parents and siblings who preceded him into eternity in the early hours of February 13, 2008. He was blessed to be in his home with attentive care in the final months of his life. He passed with family at his side encouraging him in his final mortal journey.

Richard was born April 14, 1926 to Lawrence Aurelius Miner and Sarah Loretta Ellertson in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up surrounded by loving parents and siblings and always remembered with fondness his happy childhood.

Richard served a mission in the Central States Mission and had the opportunity to serve when the Church gave some missionaries the assignment to lecture to rotary clubs, lions clubs and such on the 100th Anniversary of the Mormon Trek West. When he and his mission companion went into the Webb City Chamber of Commerce for local information, he met his future wife Frances L. Armstrong. They married on Oct. 3, 1949 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple with Spencer W. Kimball officiating. Together they had five beautiful children whom they love very much. They both were honorable in their callings as parents.

Richard worked in different career capacities throughout his life. He was a salesman on the road. He loved people and life. He was an agent for Beneficial Life for over 50 years, which took him and his family to Ephraita Washington, San Bernadino, CA, Salt Lake City, Wiesbaden, West Germany, then back to Salt Lake City. While in Germany he met the inventors of the ladder later named Little Giant Ladders and introduced it to his dear friend, Hal Wing, who brought it to Provo, Utah.

Richard served in many church callings, from Bishop to chorister to Stake Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. In all his callings, he served with honor and duty. He loved them all and was good at every one of them. He had an in depth knowledge of the Gospel and his love for it never wavered. More than anything, he wanted everyone to know that he had a testimony of Jesus Christ and the Eternal Plan. He was passionate about his duty to God and Country. He was always a gentleman, but when necessary he could raise his voice in a strong political discussion for the way he felt about our Constitution and duties we have as citizens of a society with the freedoms and liberties we enjoy.

He truly taught by example with love and persuasion. He was a man of his word and trusted wholeheartedly in others. He expected the same in return.

Richard leaves behind former wives Frances L.A. Miner Fleming and Connie O. Miner who loved him dearly. He is survived by his children Lawrence A. Miner (SunBock), Melinda M. Main (Don), Douglas G. Miner (KaLyn), and Lisa M. Croft (Scott). He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His dear older brother L. John Miner has also survived him and was a great comfort to him these last few months when he would come up from St. George to be with him. Dad also leaves behind many non-relatives who endearingly called him "Grandpa." He was preceded in death by his parents, son David R. Miner, brothers Aurelius (Bud), George, Wallace, and sisters, Faye Wrathall and Lucille Johnson.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful care that Lifepath Hospice rendered to our father and our family in our time of need, especially, Jen, Carma, Juan, Shannon, Kathryn, Val, and Andy for what you taught us about this wonderful process and labor of love. Also, special thanks go to Chris, Jack, Tommy and the many loved ones in his life. You know who you are.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 12 Noon at the Cottonwood Creek Ward, 1250 East Murray-Holladay Road (4800 South). Friends may visit with the family Monday Evening at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, from 6:00 to 8:00pm and Tuesday morning at the church from 10:45 to 11:45am prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com.