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Darrel Vernon Leamaster of Huntington, Utah was born on September 4, 1943 to Vernon Leamaster and Leora Jensen.  As Darrel grew and matured in years, he became more aware of the hardships his family endured and the sacrifices they made to provide for him. Darrel’s love and admiration for his family and community during his formative years directly and deeply impacted his character helping him become the man that he was.

Darrel’s family and friends reciprocated the love he had for them and provided him with a loving home and an abundant childhood. It was in his childhood home he learned of and gained an appreciation of our Savior’s love.  He valued his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He strove to be like our Savior in word and deed. Darrel served in many different callings throughout his life. Each calling was important to him and he genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to serve others.

Darrel learned at an early age the value of hard work. He was able to help in the family owned mine in Mill Fork Canyon and never stopped working until his health prevented him from doing so, a matter of days before his passing.

Darrel learned at an early age the importance and joy that comes from having a healthy body. He was athletic and appreciated competition. He participated in every sport he could and enjoyed performing at a high level. Darrel enjoyed sharing his passion with his children and grandchildren.

Darrel enjoyed the vigorous physical challenges of hunting, was an avid fisherman and particularly enjoyed fly-fishing. Huntington Canyon was a place where he received answers to his prayers and found healing from the untimely death of his son David and his grandson Jade.  He enjoyed sharing his love of nature with his children and grandchildren.

Darrel married LaRae Guymon in the Manti Temple on November 16, 1963. It was a rare occurrence to not see them together from that moment on. Darrel loved his life and took advantage of every moment he was here. Specifically, he loved the life he was able to have because of LaRae, the love of his life.  Together, they established a loving home and had seven children. Darrel was a skilled builder. He designed and built the home that he would live in for the next 45 years.

At the time of his passing, Darrel and LaRae had 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Darrel’s highest calling and most solemn duty was that of a provider and protector of his family.  Each and every decision he made in life was ultimately made so that he could better provide for the health, safety and welfare of his family.  He had a deep and abiding love for each and every one of them.  Darrel loved unconditionally and provided an environment that ensured everyone was welcome and accepted for who they are.

Darrel valued his formal education. He earned a bachelor’s degree of science in civil engineering from the University of Utah in 1966.  He went on to become licensed as a Professional Engineer.

After pursuing his formal education, Darrel had the opportunity to return home to Huntington, Utah in 1977 accepting the position of manager for the Castle Valley Special Service District. When Darrel accepted that position, he was the first and only employee of the district.  For the next 32 years, Darrel dedicated his time, talents and abilities to help provide the infrastructure that Emery County enjoys today.  He was honored with a number of awards and sat on several boards at the state and local level.  Darrel enjoyed the professional relationships he made with colleagues through the years.  Darrel was so thankful he was able to return home to the community he was raised in and valued the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

Darrel died peacefully surrounded by his eternal family on September 24, 2022. Darrel is survived by his wife of 59 years, LaRae Guymon, children Rick (Tara) Leamaster, Jamie (Todd) Christensen, Kristi (Ryan) Sharp, Lori (Lynn) Tuttle, Jaylin (Steven) Gordon, and Jodi (Mike) Olsen, 25 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and siblings Kay Fox, Lynn (Leila) Leamaster and Terri (David) Pappenfuss.  He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Leora Leamaster, son David Leamaster, grandson Jade Sharp, mother and father-in-law Bill and Lavon Guymon, brothers-in-law Dorr Hanson and Jeff Fox.

Darrel was under the care of our family physician and dear friend Dr. Shane Gagon.  Our family is forever grateful for Dr. Gagon’s professional and loving medical care along with the nurses and staff at Castleview Hospital.  Thank you to our friends and family for your prayers and support.

Funeral service, Friday, September 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Huntington 2nd Ward Chapel (Huntington Stake Center). The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service both at the Stake Center in Huntington. Burial will follow the service in the Huntington City Cemetery, Huntington, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Darrel online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net

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