Garford Gene Hancey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away early Sunday morning, October 30, 1994, in St. George.

Born in Ogden, Utah on September 23, 1927, Gene Hancey spent his early years in and around Idaho Falls, Idaho. After moving to the Salt Lake area with his mother, Guinevere Hancey, he graduated from Granite High School. She preceded him in death.After serving two years in the United States Marine Corps, he graduated from Utah State University and became a high school teacher of drafting, electronics and as a track coach. After teaching in Green River, Utah, Barstow and Sacramento, California, he taught at South High School in Salt Lake City for 28 years, where he was honored as the Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year in 1981. In addition he was a talented musician and a gifted artist.

He married Beth Oviatt in 1948; they were later divorced.

He was a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the MIA, Sunday School, as an Elders Quorum president, and, at the time of his death, was a High Priest in the Bloomington Hills 4th Ward.

He is survived by his wife, Mary JoAnn Marsh Hancey, whom he married in 1963, and to whom he was later sealed. He is also survived by a son, Kenneth Hancey of West Valley City; and a daughter, Marsha Erickson of Murray; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 12 noon, Friday, November 4, at the Metcalf Mortuary, 300 West St. George Blvd., St. George. Viewing will be Thursday 7 to 8 p.m. and Friday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, St. George City Cemetery.

His family wishes to thank all who provided care, comfort and support during his two year struggle with the effects of diabetes.

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