Earl Strong Child

Earl Strong Child, age 90, passed away at his home on Monday, July 12, 2010, of causes incident to age. He was born February 21, 1920, at his family home in Springville, Utah to Thomas Edward Child, Jr. and Mae Strong Child.



Earl attended schools in Springville, graduating from Springville High where he was active in sports, drama and student government. He attended BYU before entering the Navy where he served in the South Pacific during World War II. He married Lois Johnson March 10, 1941, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were together for 67 years before Lois passed away in July 2008.



Masonry Contracting was his lifelong interest and career. He was successful in many aspects of his business with buildings throughout the western states as well as in most Utah communities. Some of his favorite building projects include the Seattle Temple, BYU Library and BYU Mathematical Science Buildings. High schools, elementary schools, university buildings and churches dot Utah and the surrounding states where Earl contracted the masonry work. He loved to meet people and could always relate one of his buildings to their home town.



Later in his career, he found enjoyment in building-restoration which included the Hotel Utah, Capital Theater, Carson City Courthouse, Governor's Mansion in Denver and the Logan Temple.



Earl was always involved in community affairs and felt it was important to serve his fellowman. Besides serving on the city council for many years, he freely gave of his time and talents to improve Springville. Some of his favorite projects included the pavilions at Jolley's Ranch and Kelly's Grove, the entrance to Springville Museum of Art as well as community projects for the Boy Scouts. He and Lois donated the property for Child Park to Springville City.



Earl was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and had a strong testimony. He served in many callings including bishop, high councilor, and home teacher.



Earl loved to golf, especially at Hobble Creek. He enjoyed traveling for work, golf and to watch BYU sports. When not working, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his later life, he loved his garden and sharing the radishes and tomatoes with friends and neighbors.



He is survived by his four children: Erlene (Lawrence) Barney of Salt Lake City, Richard J (Rebecca) Child of Springville, Linda (Zane) Lubin of Scottsdale, AZ, and Christine (Rodney) Oldroyd of Springville; by eighteen grandchildren and forty one great grand children; two sisters, Melba Cordray and Maurine Guyman; special in laws, Ed and Beth Johnson and Helen Moon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; his brother Ralph; and sister Norma Snow. The family wishes to thank Angee Bird, Lily Nelson and other care givers.



Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at the Springville Stake Center 245 South 600 East. There will be a viewing on Thursday, July 15, at Wheeler Mortuary 211 East 200 South, from 6 to 8 P.M., and Friday at the church one hour prior to the service. Internment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.



Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com