Lanell "Mitchell" Lunt

Lanell Mitchell Lunt, 96, of Cedar City, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Born on March 7, 1929, in Cedar City, Utah to Lanell Naegle and Lucy Mitchell Lunt. Mitchell grew up in the town his ancestors helped settle. In his early years, he learned a strong work ethic from his father and uncle while working in the family car business. Not only did he develop a love for hard work-and for cars-but he also formed a lifelong habit of generosity that would define who he was.

Mitchell went to high school at Cedar High School and served as the senior class president. During his high school years, he met a beautiful girl named Maureen Prince. This love connection would prove to be eternal. After high school, Mitchell served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Texas-Louisiana and then obtained his Associates Degree from BAC, which is now SUU.

That little darling from high school proved to have influenced Mitchell's heart and Maureen became his for time and all eternity in the St. George, Utah Temple on July 12th, 1951. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Throughout his life, Mitchell helped operate-then eventually took over-the family business, Lunt Motor Company. In this role, he met countless people whom he could serve or offer a helping hand. It was normal for him to arrive early or stay late to assist a stranger or a friend. Some of his best years were spent working alongside his oldest son, Jim, and his daughter, Linda. Many grandchildren will remember the smell of the tiled showroom that housed the coveted 1915 Dodge Touring Sedan, a cherished tradition every Fourth of July.

Though he loved the dealership, Lunt Motor Company was only one piece of his heart. A faithful and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mitchell centered his life on service, family, and his testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. He loved the Book of Mormon, served in many callings-from scoutmaster to primary to bishoprics-and always sought opportunities to connect with the children and youth in the community.

Mitchell loved the holidays with both his family and his ward family. Halloween costumes (complete with wigs) became a beloved neighborhood tradition, but nothing could top a competitive game of Christmas Eve BINGO, where kids and grandkids battled for prizes. Mitchell found fun in nearly every situation and insisted everyone join in. It was normal to sing "Mr. Johnny Bobeck" and "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" on the way to the apple orchard in New Harmony, Utah.

As he aged, his youthful spirit never dimmed. He enjoyed telling jokes, including others in games, and making sure no one left his home empty-handed-he always had a gift to give. Mitchell never forgot a birthday and would always have a special silver dollar on hand to celebrate.

Those who knew Mitchell will remember his warm smile, playful humor, and giving heart. We are excited for him and the joy experiencing the reunion with his eternal companion Maureen. Together they built a family on earth and will continue to strengthen its ties in the eternities.

He is survived by his five children: James M. Lunt (Clarisse) of Cedar City, Utah, Lanette L. Smith (Kerry) of Santa Clara, Utah, Linda L. Bauer (Richard) of Cedar City, Utah, Robert Troy Lunt, of Santa Clara, Utah, and Nancy Michelle Lunt, of Santa Clara, Utah; 12 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. His sisters Jeannine Lunt Christensen, of River Heights, Utah, Elizabeth Lunt Gardner (Dayne), of Provo, Utah, and Barbara Lunt Robinson of Mesa, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joanne Lunt Johnson, three brothers-in-law and his eternal companion, Maureen Prince Lunt.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm MST on Friday, November 28th, 2025, at the Hillcrest Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1925 W 320 S, Cedar City, Utah. A Viewing will be held at 11:30am prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the New Harmony Cemetery following the services.

In lieu of flowers, Mitchell will be best honored if you pick up a friend in your Dodge and take them to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard, to celebrate his love of ice cream and chocolate.

To view the livestream of the funeral service and to share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.