Lester J. Hill

Gunnison, Utah - Our kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Lester James Hill, age 86, died August 4, 2011 in Centerfield, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 2, 1925 in Fayette, Utah, a son of Return Richard and Sarah Jane Bown Hill. He graduated from Gunnison Valley High School, Class of 1943. He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy. Lester married his eternal sweetheart, Helen Jane Knighton, July 27, 1944 in the Manti LDS Temple. Lester was very active in the LDS Church, serving as a Counselor in the Bishopric, President of Young Men, Stake Dance Director and numerous other positions. Lester and Helen loved square dancing. Lester was self-employed and he owned and operated Hill's Coal and Furnace Cleaning in Gunnison for over fifty years. He was a member of the Gunnison Lion’s Club, served on the Gunnison City Council and as Mayor of Gunnison City and was a Gun Safety Instructor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and square dancing. Lester is survived by his loving wife, Helen, of Gunnison; children: Danny and Mary Hill of Mayfield; Rita Kay Hill Sorenson of San Diego, California; David and Diane Hill of Centerfield; Donald and Denise Hill, Dale and Sonya Hill, all of Gunnison; 38 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers and four sisters. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 8, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the Gunnison LDS Stake Center, where friends may call for viewing Sunday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Gunnison American Legion Post #104 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Gunnison City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.