Harold M. "Tom" Hull

WHITNEY -- Harold M. "Tom" Hull, 92, returned to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 21, 2005, at the Heritage Home in Preston.

He was born Jan. 19, 1913, in Whitney, the second child of eight children born to Alvin "A.C." and Ella Maughan Hull. He acquired the nickname of "Tom" because of his fascination with horses and the cowboy movie star, Tom Mix. He grew up in a wonderful family where the value of hard work and education were instilled at a young age. Laughter and fun were part of the Hull family life.

He married Ann Kirk on Aug. 29, 1940, in Ogden, and they were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. They were the parents of four children and have 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Tom overcame many obstacles in life with dignity and faith. At the age of 23, he was shot in a hunting accident. Because of his mother's faith and his friend, Dr. Alan Cutler, the arm was saved and did not require amputation. With much determination, he overcame his handicap to the point that many did not recognize his inabilities.

He was known to have a sharp mind, skipping a grade in grade school and graduating from Preston High Academy where he excelled in scholastics and sports. He was a state champion javelin thrower. He went on to attend Utah Agricultural College (USU) in Logan. His education was cut short when his help was needed at the family farm in Whitney. He and his brother (Robert "Tuff" Hull) operated the family farm until he retired at the age of 78.

Scouting was important to the Hull family. Tom and his brothers were Eagle Scouts. He encouraged his grandsons to also obtain that notable rank. He was honored and proud to be in one of President Ezra Taft Benson's first Scouting groups. Tom held many church positions such as elder's quorum president and high priest group leader, but the calling he most valued was that of a teacher. His thirst for knowledge of the gospel began as a teacher and continued until the time of his death. He continued studying the gospel even after being diagnosed with macular degeneration (at the age of 76). He spent many sightless years increasing his knowledge by listening to tapes.

He will be remembered for his easygoing nature, faith and generosity. His great example serves as a beacon of light for his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, in January of 2000; by his parents; brothers, Alvin C., Keith, Robert, Dean and Russell; and a sister, Lorna (Arthur) McPherson. He is survived by his children, Judith Kay Orme of Leesburg, Va., Mary Ann (Michael) Jepsen of Mink Creek, Kirk Dean "Butch" (Barbara) Hull of Hyde Park and Karla Jean (Wesley) Roundy of Cache Junction; and by a sister, Ella (Bill) Farnsworth of Phoenix, Ariz.

Our family would like to extend our thanks to the Heritage Home in Preston. Words cannot express our gratitude for the loving and devoted care they bestowed upon our father. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, in the Whitney 1st Ward chapel with Bishop Michael Stenberg conducting. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Webb Funeral Home, 109 E. Oneida in Preston, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Interment will be in the Whitney Cemetery.

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