Carl Lee Jensen

Carl Lee Jensen, age 89 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 27, 2022.
He was born on February 6, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah and raised in Ely, Nevada by his parents Earl Wilford Jensen and Evangeline Petersen Jensen.
He married the love of his life Myrle Thacker of Kamas, Utah. On November 27, 1957, in the Salt Lake City Temple while they were both studying at BYU.
Carl graduated from White Pine High School in Ely, Nevada. He then attended West Coast University where he received certification in Diesel Engine mechanics. Then he went on to the University of Houston where he studied and graduated with a degree Diesel Technology.
After realizing his academic potential, he enrolled in Brigham Young University in Mechanical Engineering. After his first two years he was then drafted and served for United States Army as a Radar Targeting Acquisition Operator on the Nike/Ajax Surface to Air Intercept Missile System. Upon his completion of service, he returned to BYU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Prior to his professional career, his first job was as a cowboy at the age of thirteen. He spent summers away from home and for the most part alone except for Pacer his horse while he herded 500 cows for the Circle three Ranch.
His career included time at The Marquardt Corporation, General Dynamics, The Martin Company, United States Air Force, and the Boeing company.
He rose in the ranks as an Associate Design Engineer, Fight Engineer/Supervisor, Field Support Project Engineer, and Principal Engineer on The Titan 1, Minute Man I, II and III and the Peacekeeper Programs.
His expertise and leadership working with complicated missile systems helped assure that our country was a safer place during the troubled times of The Cold War and post-Cold War Era.
His love of outdoors gave his family wonderful experiences filled with summer and winter sports, clean fresh air and observing wildlife filled many summers.
His love and devotion for his wife during her extensive health issues were a testament to what the words in the vows of marriage represent.
Carl was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a profound testimony of eternal life.
More recently he penned a family history that was a labor of love and determination after Myrle’s passing. It is an example of his devotion to his expression of family history and a promise that he had made to Myrle while she was still on this earth.
His influence and respect for his parents and older brothers of whom he considered to be his heroes was reflected in the man he became and the love he showed for his extended family.
He and Myrle lived in Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, Wyoming, and Utah. Finally settling in St. George, Utah upon retiring.
Carl is survived by his son Derrick of St. George, Utah, daughters Christine Milligan (Michael) Sheridan, Wyoming, Lynn Shrum (Glenn) Washington, Utah, and Jennifer Chapdelaine (Jim) of Apple Valley, California. Grand children Sarah, Deirdre, Abby, James, and Lauren and six Great Grandchildren. Nieces and Nephews Rodney, David, Joy, Jan, Annette, and Eric.
His family loves him immensely. He was a great example to them of the value of honesty, hard work and determination. As well, his love for them was felt unconditionally throughout their lives.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert and Hal and beloved wife Myrle.
Special thanks to all his friends who supported and showed great love for our father during this time.
We would also like to thank the many staff at IHC St. George Regional hospital who cared for our father during his stay with great love and respect for his dignity.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary.
A second viewing will take place on Friday, September 2, 2022, from 9:00 – 9:45 with the Funeral Service following at 10:00 am at Spilsbury Mortuary.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.
Video on Demand
Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to leave a memory on Carl’s obituary page.