Lawrence Cummins

1928-2011

Our sweet Dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away Thursday, May 12, 2011.

Born February 20, 1928 in Salt Lake City to Joseph Ernest and Leola Horne Cummins. Twice a widower, he was sealed to Joanne Whitaker on Sept. 21, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple and they were married for 33 years. He wed Ruth Cummings Mathews on July 8, 1986 in the Salt Lake Temple and they were married for 19 years.

Growing up in Salt Lake City, he graduated from West High School the served his country in the U.S. Army from 1946-1947. He received a Bachelor degree in journalism from the University of Utah in 1966.

He had many diverse jobs throughout the years including building roads near Yellowstone Park, painting elevator shafts, making cardboard boxes, carrying 100 pound bags of sugar at Nehi Beverage Co., working as a postal carrier on walking route in Sugarhouse, writing and editing the magazine for Christensen Diamond Products. As a writer and editor, he worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on The Instructor, various Sunday School manuals, The Ensign, and eventually retired as Associate Editor of The Friend. During his working career he made many wonderful friends whom he respected and loved. His quick wit and wry humor endeared him to many.

His great love was antiques and especially vintage cars. He lovingly restored a 1924 Cadillac and was a member of the Horseless Carriage Club. He was a great handyman and enjoyed repairing things around the house. He was a hard worker but always spent time with his family and loved ones.

He was a tennis enthusiast and enjoyed the outdoors, Yellowstone Park and Brighton resort were his favorite destinations.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Draper Rehabilitation who treated him with respect and kindness.

Survived by his sister Leonore Schouten, brother J. Kenneth Cummins, son Tim Cummins, daughters Debbie (Ralph) Peterson, Lisa (Blake) Beecher, Laura (Brent) Taylor, 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his brother, George Marcel Cummins, sister Opal Stroh, wife Joanne and wife Ruth.

A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Saturday May 21, 2011 followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. both held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 Highland Drive)