Richard Paul Romney, age 95, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2017. A homebuilder, teacher, and musician, Paul was a humorous, kind-hearted soul, always cheerfully concerned with the welfare of others.
The youngest of six children, Paul was born to Junius and Gertrude Stowell Romney on April 5, 1922, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in the Garden Park Ward area. As a young boy he was seriously injured when hit by a coal truck, but thanks to a priesthood blessing he lived. He was the first Eagle Scout in his ward. He graduated from East High School. During World War II, he was deferred from military service because of appendicitis. He was called to the Western States Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following his mission he entered military service. He became an interpreter and served with occupying forces in Japan following the war.
He returned to the University of Utah, where he met Mary Lou Stone. They married on March 31, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple, and became parents of seven children. After living in Sugarhouse, the family moved to East Millcreek. Paul, a contractor, built most of the houses on the street where they lived.
After two decades as a contractor, Paul became an elementary school teacher for 17 years having obtained a Masters Degree in Special Education from BYU. He taught at Sherman and Libby Edwards Elementary and other schools. Many of his students still say he was their favorite teacher.
Paul had a beautiful tenor voice. He arranged and composed songs. He was blessed to sing in the Tabernacle Choir, and spent many years leading music and participating in ward choirs. He also served as counselor in a bishopric, a faithful home teacher, and a missionary with Mary Lou in the New York City South Mission. He also helped Mary Lou, a nationally known artist, by framing her work and organizing exhibits with her.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; siblings Olive Marshall Judd; Junius S. Romney; Catherine Carpenter; Margaret Jackson Judd; and Eldon B. Romney. He is survived by his children, Stephen; Brent (Dawna); Richard (Kathy); and Mary Anne (all of Salt Lake City); Ben (Kaye) of Rexburg, Idaho; Ray (Darlann) of Cary, North Carolina; and Rebecca (Tom) Worthington, of Huntsville, Alabama; 37 grandchildren; and 55 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday September 9, at 11:00 am in the East Millcreek North Stake Center, 3408 S. Celeste Way. Friends may call at the church on Friday, September 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., or Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
