Our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loving friend returned to his awaiting family Aug. 5, 2021. LaVell was born March 23, 1934, in Heber City, Utah, to Henry Clay and Ruby (Nielson) Cummings. LaVell spent his childhood and much of his younger adult life in Heber City where he enjoyed his family and numerous close friendships. While in Heber City, LaVell married Joyce Broadhead (later divorced) and together they had four children Vicki, Michael, David, and Kelly.
LaVell enjoyed and loved his children dearly. Precious memories include spending time in the Strawberry Valley, family hunting adventures, helping with family livestock, and many more memories. In the earlier years LaVell helped his brother Veigh with the initial construction of what is now known as Timber Lakes and that would set his career path for much of his life. LaVell had a passion to build large earthwork projects and knew the business well. It was a personal challenge to manage personnel, drive schedules, and get things done. LaVell formed many great friendships along the way and took great pride in any project he was involved with.
Later in life, LaVell married Kathleen (Kathy) Kirkendall, Sept. 24, 1993. They were married for 28 years and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in August of 2003. They built a beautiful home together in Grantsville, Utah, and enjoyed life to the fullest. They always lit up the neighborhood during the holiday season with lighting, displays, and the signature smiley face. LaVell along with Kathy had a passion for animals of all types. We would often joke that any sheep, goat, cow, chicken, etc. would be safe at the Cummings petting zoo for a lifetime. Family and close friends who knew LaVell rarely saw him without (dogs) Ben, Toby, or Jo Jo riding close to his side.
Close to LaVell’s heart were his sister and four brothers. They loved to spend time together and would meet up often. They all had a special bond with a loving mutual respect. Anyone calling LaVell would often hear him say “I’m headed to my see my brothers and/or sister.”
LaVell was preceded in death by his father Henry Clay Cummings; mother Emma Ruby (Nielson) Cummings; sister Yvonne Miller; brothers Veigh Cummings, Kyle Cummings, Melvin Cummings, E. Jay Cummings; and stepson Robert Holman.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen; daughter Vicki (David) Sweat; sons Michael (Angie) Cummings, David (Tamara) Cummings, and Kelly (Pamela) Cummings; stepson Steven (Brenda) Holman; stepdaughter Christine (Grant) Black; 26 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the LDS Clark 2nd Ward, 81 Church St., Grantsville, Utah. An additional viewing will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with the funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held at the Heber City Cemetery, 700 N. 550 East, Heber City, Utah, at 3 p.m.