Charles Merlin Jenson, Jr

Charles Merlin Jenson, Jr., 80, passed away on Tuesday September 16, 2008 at Sunshine Terrace in Logan, Utah. Charles was born in Smithfield, Utah on February 6, 1928 to Carrie Eleanor Olson and Charles Merlin Jenson. Raised in Smithfield, Charles graduated from North Cache High School and later earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Utah State University. Charles served his country as a member of the US Army at the end of World War II. Soon thereafter he accepted the call to serve his church as a missionary to Finland. Upon his return from the mission field, Charles married Faye Thornley on May 14, 1953 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Together Charles and Faye raised a wonderful family of four children and enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Charles taught school for several years in the North Logan and Smithfield Summit school districts before moving his family to Lompoc, CA in 1964 where he continued his career as an elementary teacher and later as a professor of music. In 1994 they retired to their childhood home in Smithfield, UT. As a faithful member of the LDS Church, Charles served in several leadership positions including high counselor in the Santa Maria Stake. However, most of his life was dedicated to music and he served as choir director, chorister and organist for several congregations. His genius was his incredible musical talent, and he wrote and composed several hymns and musical numbers that continue to be performed to this day. He believed that he could do anything, and he proved it throughout his life as he mastered every skill he ever attempted. Charles is survived by his wife, Faye; his children Rulon Jenson, San Diego, CA, Nathan Tamara Jenson, Springville, UT, Robert Dixie Jenson, Queenscreek, AZ, and Eila Kevin Peterson, Hughson, CA; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, brothers Richard Coleen Jenson and Wayne Kathy Jenson, his sister Marjorie Ken Kraus, and his sister-in-law Ruby Thornley. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be at 11am on Saturday, September 20, at the new Smithfield 16th Ward Chapel, 451 S. 250 East, with Bishop Kyle Griffith conducting. Friends may call on Friday September 19 from 6 to 8 pm at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main Street, Smithfield and on Saturday September 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Chapel prior to services. Burial will be in the Smithfield Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .