Robert M Lovell

Robert Martin Lovell
Robert Martin Lovell, born October 31, 1922, died peacefully May 29, 2011. He was 88 years old. Robert was born in Mulberry, Kansas, to Opal Grace Besack and Harry Lovell. He lived in Mulberry, Kansas, Omaha, Nebraska, and Portland, Oregon as a child. While in high school in Portland, he was active in choral groups, dramatics, and the American Legion. After high school he went to work for a plumbing supply house until he was drafted into the army in 1943. He was sent to the University of Utah for the Army Specialized Training Program. While there he met a student nurse, Ila Childs, who would later become his wife. He was transferred to Army Ordinance and spent the rest of his service in Texas and Hawaii. Upon his discharge, he returned to the University of Utah to continue his education and on December 21, 1946, married Ila in Gunnison, Utah. They were married until Ila’s passing on January 8, 1993. In 1949 Robert and Ila moved to Eugene, Oregon, to be part of a plumbing supply house. While there they added David Clark, Elizabeth, and Barbara to their family. Robert was very active in civic affairs and the Eugene Chamber of Commerce. In 1956 they returned with their family to Salt Lake and in 1958, the R. Lovell Company was formed. It represented plumbing manufacturers for the Utah-Idaho region. In 1987 he was honored by the Utah Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association for his long and active participation in their affairs. Robert retired in 1987 and sold the business to his son, David. After Ila’s death, Robert went back to work for a short time. On February 5, 1994 Robert married Marjorie McLean, and they spent their retirement golfing, playing bridge, and traveling. Robert was an avid reader and enjoyed music throughout his life.
Robert is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his son David (Peggy), Elizabeth, and Barbara (Mark Sperry). He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Ila, his sister Betty, and his brother Gordon.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 3, 2011, at the Union Fort 10th ward of the LDS Church, located at 6770 S. (Larchwood Dr.) 500 E., Midvale, UT. There will be a viewing from 10:30 - 11:30 am, with the funeral beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 3115 E. Bengal Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT following the services.