Boyd Mitchell

Boyd Lowder Mitchell passed away at the age of 90 on August 2, 2013, in Parowan, UT. Boyd was born in Parowan, UT, on April 26, 1923, to Ray and Roca Mitchell.

He grew up in Parowan where he attended elementary and high school, graduating from Parowan High School in 1941, where he was active in the school band and in the school plays and operas. After graduation from high school, he attended BAC (now SUU) in Cedar City.

Boyd served in the United States Army from 1948-1949, in the Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California, then again from 1950-1951 where he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

In his early 20's, Boyd was part-owner of the Buy-Rite Grocery Store in Parowan with his father and also worked at a meat and delicatessen store in Long Beach, California, with his Uncle, Art Lowder. Upon discharge from the army in 1951, Boyd worked for Utah Construction, then worked at Northeast Furniture in Cedar City where he was a salesman for 25 years. In 1980, he became the manager of the new Deseret Industries store in Cedar City, a position he held for 12 years until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, Boyd was a ham radio operator in the US Army Military Affiliate MARS Radio System (call letters "KJ7MF"), a hobby he greatly enjoyed for many years.

Boyd took flying lessons in the 1940's, soloing in single engine planes in California and Utah and received his student license.

Boyd was an active member of the LDS Church and had a strong, unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Boyd served in several stake and ward positions, including Stake Executive Secretary, Stake Clerk, and Stake High Councilor, High Priest Group Leader, Ward Mission Leader, and as Bishop of the Parowan Third Ward from 1973 to 1976. He and his wife, Vivian, served as workers in the St. George Temple for 14 years.

Boyd had a love of music. He played the trumpet in high school and in local dance bands after high school. He also played trumpet when he served in the army in the Army Band. He sang with the Vermillion Voices and in the Parowan Third Ward Choir for many years. Boyd had a deep, resonating bass voice and was often asked to speak at funerals, church meetings and other gatherings. He narrated the annual Parowan Third Ward Christmas Cantata, "The Music of Christmas" for several years, which he felt was a special privilege.

Boyd married Vivian Hatch on August 5, 1950 in Cedar City, UT. Their marriage was solemnized on October 19, 1951, in the St. George Temple.

Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, Ray & Roca Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian, his children: Rhonda Button, Kanab, UT; Mona Griffin (Calvin), St. George, UT; and David Mitchell (Lisa), Cedar City, UT; and his sister, Ramona Stubbs of Parowan, UT. Boyd was also the Grandfather of 10 grandchildren and Great-Grandfather to 12.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Parowan Third Ward Church, 90 South Main, in Parowan, UT. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening, August 7, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Parowan Third Ward Relief Society Room and again from 11:30 am-12:30 pm prior to the funeral service on Thursday, August 8, 2013. Interment will follow at the Parowan Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent www.sumortuary.com.