Woodrow Longhurst

Woodrow Wilson Longhurst

Former long-time Pocatello resident, Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Longhurst, age 87, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at home in Orem, Utah, where he lived for the past year.

Woody was born February 10, 1920 in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico to Warren and Mary Lovenia Moffet Longhurst.

He married Rachel Irene Quinn on February 23, 1940 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Ten children were born to them. Rachel passed away January 10, 1980. Woody later married April Barton in the Idaho Falls temple. April brought four children to the family. Woody's top priority in life was his family.

Woody joined the Army Air Corp in 1943, trained as a pilot and served in the 82nd Airborne as a troop carrier. At the end of WWII he volunteered for a special assignment. He and a few others flew B-25's to Mexico City and there trained Mexican fighter pilots to fly the B-25's. The US Government gave those planes to Mexico which become the first Mexican airline. Woody was awarded Honorary Air Force Wings from the Mexican Air Force. After completing his military service he returned to Pocatello.

Woody retired after 37 A½ years as a mechanic and refrigeration specialist with Garrett Freightlines. He was owner/operator of Longhurst Dairy and for many years enjoyed his large garden raising corn, tomatoes, and other produce which he happily provided to loyal customers, many of whom became his friends. As an active member of the LDS Church, Woody served in many callings including a Spanish speaking stake mission, English speaking stake missions with Rachel and later with April, ward finance clerk, counselor in the bishopric, stake high councilor, manager of the stake welfare farm, high priests group leader, Pocatello 9th Ward Bishop, and most recently, as a volunteer at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.

His hobbies and interests included fishing, hunting, snow and water skiing, and boating with his family and friends. He was instrumental in introducing the first jet boats into the United States. He appreciated good music and made sure his children received musical training. He taught himself to play the harmonica and enjoyed sharing this talent with others. He often could be heard whistling a tune as he went about his work.

Survivors include his wife, April; children, Rey Devon (Bobby) Longhurst, Earl & Lynne Mecham, Connie (Ken) Mason, Sandra (Paul) Perry, Loalyn (George) Hellewell, Shelly (Bryan) Crockett, Lorin Glen Longhurst, David James Longhurst: stepchildren; Catherine (Larry) Cooper, Daniel B. Lee, Susan (Brent) Done; and many grand and great-grand children.

Preceeded in death by his parents, his three brothers, Preston, Ashton, and Brandon Longhurst and his three sisters, Della Mineer, Myra Whipple, and Bessie Elmer; wife, Rachel; son, Warren and his wife Sharon Longhurst; daughters, Ludene Longhurst, Karyn L. Mecham; stepson John B. Lee, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS church at the corner of Quinn and Hawthorne Roads, Pocatello, Idaho. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 North 12th Avenue, Pocatello, and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral at the church. Interment will be at the Rest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Pocatello. Military graveside rites provided by Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.