Dale Thurston

Dale H. Thurston, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother and everybody's friend, passed away suddenly of a heart attack while doing what he liked best, herding cattle on his ATV and working on his ranch, Monday January 16, 2012.

Dale was born February 3, 1927 in Milton, Utah to goodly parents Glen Harris Thurston and Ada Giles of Morgan, and was raised on the family farm and ranch.

Dale graduated from Morgan High School and attended Utah State University. On February 3, 1955, he married his eternal sweetheart Barbara Louise Senn in the Salt Lake Temple.

Dale was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a man of great faith and served the Lord in many callings throughout his life, his most beloved service was being with his wife Barbara, as temple workers from 1995-2011 at the Ogden Temple, and serving a full time mission from 1998-2000 in the Manila, Philippines Temple Mission. Dale had a quick wit and easily made friends wherever he went. Dale always had a strong desire to give of himself and serve others. He was an accomplished horseman. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Clydesdale Breeders of the United States Association and was inducted into the Clydesdale Breeders of the US Heritage Hall of Fame in 2009.

He was active in his community serving as County Commissioner for 3 terms, as a board member of the Soil Conservation and Morgan County Fair, a member of the Morgan Historical Society, and a member of the Utah Sons of the Pioneers. He and Barbara drove the stage coach at Lagoon Amusement Park for 30 years retiring at the age of 80. He and Barbara looked forward to the annual Lion's Club hometown Christmas and took families for hay rides at this event for the past 35 years. His father Glen, started the tradition and combined they performed this service for 75 years.

Dale left a great legacy and was true to his convictions and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara, daughters Nadine (Don) Bambrough, Lana (Mark) Francis, sons; Tom (Berva) Thurston, Delbert (Rebecca) Thurston, Mark (Lora) Thurston, and Todd (Becky) Thurston. He has 22 Grandchildren and 48 Great-grandchildren. Also a brother Fred Thurston and two sisters Nell Nickerson and Ann McMillan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Donna, brother Steve and sisters Connie and Sally.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Milton Church 1255 North Morgan Valley Drive, Morgan, Utah. Friends may visit the family on Friday January 20, 2012 from 6 a�" 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Milton Church at the same address.

Interment will be at Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to your LDS Ward Missionary Fund or the Church Perpetual Education Fund.

Happy trails Dad, We Love You!