This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AMHhenley Surnames: Gunnell, Poppleton, Broadstone Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.idaho.counties.franklin/2403/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Idaho State Journal, 10/16/08 PRESTON - Verlan Poppleton Gunnell, 84, beloved son, husband, father, grand-father, uncle and friend passed away T u e s d a y , Oct. 14, 2008, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle from an extended illness He was born Aug. 25, 1924, in Wellsville, Utah, the son of Evelyn Poppleton and Preston Baxter Gunnell. He attended school in Wellsville and then went to South Cache High School. He attended Utah State University and was then drafted in the U.S. Army on June 2, 1943, and served his country until 1946. At that time, he was a member of the 1st Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in front-line combat and was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovery, he was appointed to the Office of Military Government, which was the governing body of Germany after the war ended. A highlight in Berlin was when Eleanor Roosevelt came to Europe with the United Nations. His family cherishes a picture with him and Eleanor sitting next to one another visiting. In 1944, Verlan married LaVone Broadstone in Houston, Texas, while in basic training. They were later sealed for all time and eternity in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They together have shared 64 years of marriage. They have a daughter, Dixie Gunnell Erickson and a son, Jeff Gunnell. Verlan spent most of his life in Utah and Idaho. He graduated and received his bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in economics from Utah State University. He worked several years in auto parts and in 1965, he opened Gunnell Auto Parts. He was recognized with a love to serve the public, people and his community, where he operated his own business successfully until his retirement. He was an outstanding athlete throughout his life in all sports. Many special honors have been awarded to him. In his later years he enjoyed golf, where he won the Club Championship twice. He made two holes in one during his golfing career and he held the record for many years. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as first counselor in the bishopric, gospel doctrine teacher, Sunday school teacher and a faithful home teacher. Verlan is survived by all who love him dearly including his wife LaVone, of Preston; his daughter, Dixie Erickson, Pocatello, Idaho; his son, Jeff (Beverly) Gunnell, Preston; grandsons, Lon (Keva) Erickson, Rob Erickson, Jon Erickson, Jamen Gunnell; and granddaughters, Angie (Keith) Sleight and Lindsey (Justin) Johnson; great-grandsons, Brenner Erickson, Jayden Erickson, Landon Erickson; great-granddaughter, Kora Erickson; and two brothers, Parley (Joyce) Gunnell and Ray (Verda) Gunnell. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Preston Gunnell, and three sisters, Evelyn, Jane and Lara Lee. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the Preston 10th Ward Chapel, 155 North Second West in Preston, with Bishop Mike Andrus conducting. Friends may call Friday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 109 East Oneida in Preston and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Riverdale Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.webbmortuary.com. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.