Born an only son to Abram Livingston and Sadie Lewis Livingston in Fountain Green, Utah, Lewis was the brother to sisters Barbara, Beverly and June.
Lewis spent his early years in San Pete County, where he learned valiant life lessons he shared with his posterity over many decades. After eighth grade, his father moved the family to Logan, Utah, where Lewis attended high school and his freshman year at Utah State University.
As World War II commenced, Lewis joined the United States Navy Air Corp and trained in San Diego, Calif., and Tucson, Ariz. He spent his military career in Sanford, Fla., as a flight instructor and pilot on naval aircraft carriers. During one leave, he returned to marry Irene Broadbent in Ogden, Utah, on Jan.17, 1945. They were sealed in the Logan Temple for time and all eternity on Aug. 1, 1946. After the war ended, they moved to Craig, Colo., where Lewis joined his father, Abe, in the sheep business.
Lewis and Irene were the parents of seven children: Douglas Ray (Myrna), Scott Dee (LaRae), Lynne (Ron), David Mark (deceased), Mary, Boyd Loyal (Kamille) and Carol. Lewis and Irene lived in Craig for 60 years and were an integral part of the community they loved. Lewis enjoyed serving on the Moffat County School Board for ten of those years. The family lived in town during the school year and moved to their ranch, the Yellow Jacket Ranch on Milk Creek, between Craig and Meeker during the summer. Lewis spent his ranching years moving herds of sheep from the high pastures of the White River National Forest to the deserts of northeastern Utah.
Lewis was active in the LDS Church. He served in many callings over the years: Craig Branch President, a counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Grand Junction Stake, Stake President of the Meeker Colorado Stake (13 years), a regional representative (Colorado and Wyoming), stake patriarch, and sealer in the Vernal Utah Temple.
As Irene’s health declined, they moved to Provo, Utah, to be closer to their children. Irene passed away Aug. 23, 2007, and Lewis continued to be the central force keeping his family close and connected.
He enjoyed Sunday dinners, temple service, trips to favorite places, and his many friends and family. He loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren share their activities and accomplishments with him, and he supported his children and extended family in every way possible.
Lewis was always proud of his military service, and he spent several enjoyable months in the new Central Utah Veteran’s Home in Payson, Utah, during his last year of life. He was continually surrounded by his family and constantly cared for and blessed the lives of others.
Lewis was preceded in death by: his wife Irene; a son, David; and sisters Barbara DeJournette and Beverly Crawford.
Our gentle giant and stalwart example will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his legacy of righteous living and unselfish service to his fellow men.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and therapists who cared for him during the last year of his life.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1295 W. 9th St., in Craig.
A reunion/viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, and prior to the funeral service on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Craig Cemetery following the service. www.broomheadfuneralhome.com
Lewis R Livingston was a great man and friend and cousin to our family. My father was happy such a good man shared his first name. I met Lewis R for the first time at my grandmother’s funeral, where we both spoke. Again at my grandfather’s if I remember right, again both speaking. His kindness and faith were always a blessing. Thoughts and prayers to the family.