Orville Darrell Carnahan Sr. Obituary (1929 - 2011)

His whole life was a testimony of his faith in our Heavenly Father, our Savior, Jesus Christ, the restored gospel, and the eternal nature of families. He passed peacefully at home on May 30, 2011 with his sweetheart Colleen at his side, surrounded by his family. Born December 25, 1929 to Marion Carlos Carnahan and Leola Putnam Carnahan in Elba, Idaho, he graduated from Raft River High School and served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas Louisiana Mission and in the North Central States Mission from 1949-1951. He married Colleen Arrott in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on December 14, 1951. He then served his country in the United States Army in the Far East during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah State University in Agricultural Science and his Master’s and Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Idaho. His professional career included: Dean of Applied Sciences and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Yakima Valley Community College, Yakima, WA; President of Eastern Iowa Community College in Davenport, IA; President of Highline Community College in Kent, WA; Associate Commissioner of Higher Education for the State of Utah; President of Southern Utah State College (now SUU) in Cedar City, UT; and President of Utah Technical College in Taylorsville, UT, which under his direction became Salt Lake Community College, currently the largest community college in the nation. He also served three terms as the Representative of District 34 for the Utah State House of Representatives. He is survived by his wife Colleen; children: Karen (Kevin Evans), Jeanie (Michael Allen), O. Darrell, Jr. (Margie), and Carla (Jim Nelson); grandchildren: Candice (Josh), Shannon (Casey), Gillian (Tyler), Morgan (Jamie), Anora (Travis), Clara, Maggie, Orville D. III, and Marty; and siblings: Carlos (Joyce), Myrna (Bill), Glenn (Janice), and Naldene (Lawrence). He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Rulan. Known for his humor, integrity, love of family, and keen intelligence, he will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. A viewing will be held Friday, June 3, 2011 at Jenkins Soffe Funeral Home at 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 S), South Jordan, Utah from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the LDS Chapel at 1244 West Chavez Drive (9700 South), South Jordan, Utah, with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m. and the services at 11:00 a.m. Interment: South Jordan City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.