Loyal Theodore Gittins

Loyal Theodore Gittins, 74, died in Logan on Sunday, December 14, 2003. He was born on July 31, 1929 in Smithfield. He was the sixth child of Katie Louise Stone and Thomas Henry Gittins. He married Ernestine Dale Massie on August 14, 1970 in Logan, Utah. They were later divorced. He married Dorothea Betsy Harlon on September 26, 1986. They were also later divorced. Loyal was raised in Smithfield and in Lewiston where he learned the art of farming. He received his education at Summit Elementary, Lewiston Elementary, Lewiston Jr. High and graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond. He had various occupations, but a major one was running a dairy farm. He had a great love for animals and won many awards in the Future Farmers of America. After he left farming, he moved to Richmond and went to work at Utah State University as a custodian. A position he held for many years and from which he retired. He was very particular and liked things neat and clean. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many positions. He was an avid Home Teacher, loving people and always willing to help out wherever he was needed. He liked staying busy. He served a mission to the Southwest Indian Mission, laboring in Arizona, Nevada and primarily in Gallup, New Mexico. There he learned to the love and serve the Lamanite people. He loved his country and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict stationed in Japan and Korea. He is survived by four sisters and two brothers: Melvin H. Gittins, St. George; Viola Wright, Richmond; Dora Asel Boman, Layton; Annetta Bert LaMont, Preston; Odell Joy Gittins, Burley, ID; and Odean LaVar McCann, Smithfield; one sister-in-law, Ruth Gittins, Wellsville; many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters: James, Albert, Leland , Grace G. Gamble, Violet and Paul. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, at 12:00 noon in the Richmond North Stake Center, Richmond 1st Ward, 135 West Main, with Bishop Larry L. Larson conducting. Friends and family may call at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . A special thank you is extended to the staff at Sunshine Terrace for their help, love, support and endless patience. It is greatly appreciated.