Paul Lunt

1920 - 2012

Dr. Paul Ray Lunt, 91, passed away October 15, 2012 at his home in Cedar City, Utah with his Wife, Naomi, Daughter, Sage, and two sons, Marcus and Chris, present. Paul was born December 13, 1920 in Cedar City to Raymond Hunter Lunt and Zelma Jones Lunt.

Paul was raised in a hard working, agricultural and livestock family and was known by all for this same work ethic throughout his life. His father taught him to love the land and he thus felt a responsibility to care for it. He also worked at his parent's corner gas station.

Paul was the second of five children. An older sister Marie, younger brothers, Robert and David, and is survived by his baby sister Laurel (Hulet).

Paul loved school and did well in both academics and sports. He was awarded the 1938-39 Cedar High Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in the Eastern States Mission from 1942-1944. This is where he met his future wife Naomi Dillman at a church meeting in Cambridge Massachusetts. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple May 15, 1944.

Paul and Naomi have five children. Ray is a dentist in Salem, Oregon. Sage (Platt) is director of the Speech & Presentation Center at SUU in Cedar City. Ned is a dentist in San Antonio, Texas. Marcus is Senior Director of Marketing for Symantec in Orem. Chris is Senior Systems Administrator of Cardno USA in California. Paul and Naomi have 25 grandchildren and will have 39 great-grandchildren (in December).

Paul served in the Army in World War II as a counselor to help war veterans transition back into civilian life. As he worked with many of the amputees he began his love for the medical field. After the war he moved to Idaho where he graduated from Idaho State College in1948 with a degree in Pharmacy. This took him to The Uintah basin where he owned and operated two full service Drug Stores including soda fountains; one in Vernal and the other in Roosevelt.

He then found his dream come true as he was accepted to dental school at the University of Kansas City in Missouri. As a dental student he was able to support his wife and 5 children working in the evenings as a pharmacist in different drug stores and helped teach pharmacy for the school. He graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree May 1959.

Returning to Cedar City, Paul started his dental practice and long-time service in his beloved hometown. His practice was built on his philosophy of helping the many patients that entered his doors. During this time, he also performed Maxillofacial reconstructions at Valley View Medical Center for accident victims and later served as the president of the medical staff there. He practiced from 1959 to 1980.

In 1980 Paul and Naomi moved to San Antonio where he taught at the Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center as a clinical professor. There, he was voted the Outstanding Professor by the Graduating Class. Returning to Cedar in 1982 he resumed his dental practice until 1991 when he retired.

Paul served faithfully in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While in Kansas City, he served in a growing branch, and in the bishopric of the Kansas City 3rd ward. His commitment and service continued with his move to Cedar City where he accepted opportunities to serve in bishoprics, high councils, Sunday Schools, teaching in many areas, and from 1964-1971 as Bishop of the College of Southern Utah 4th ward. He loved those students like they were his own and they felt that love. Many still talk about those wonderful years.

Because of his selfless service in his profession and his community, Paul was the recipient of many honors and awards. These include:

Lions Club Director in 1951-53.

International College of Dentists distinguished service award 1970.

Nominated and Inducted into The Honorary Pierre Fauchard Academy (The International Dental Society for professional and ethical development and responsibility to the public)

Utah Dental Association President 1978-1979.

Western Regional Board of Dental Examiners for 16 years.

Rotary Club President 1978-1979.

Utah House of Representatives - Distinguished Service Award 1994.

Dentist of the year for the state of Utah 1994.

There were also many acts of service that Paul performed anonymously to help build the Cedar City community. Much of this desire came from traditions he witnessed from his own father and mother and grandparents. He wanted to continue the Lunt family belief in supporting and contributing to the place they honored and loved.

Throughout his life in Cedar City he also supported the development of Southern Utah University, especially the athletic program and their academic excellence. He donated scholarships for young people for over 50 years, knowing that this would give many young athletes opportunities for a valuable education.

If he were alive he would not want these mentioned. This is how he lived. He served his Savior, church, wife, family, friends and community in that order without expecting in return. Paul was an example of Christlike service throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, Paul and the family request that interested friends, support the SUU Lunt Academic-Athlete Fund at Southern Utah University. For more information contact Susie Rowley 865-8385.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October 20, 2012 at 10:00 am in the Cedar Stake Center located at 155 East 400 South. Visitation will be held Friday October 19th, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the church, and prior to the funeral service on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery following the funeral under the direction of the Mosdell Mortuary.