Dr. Afton Hansen
6/22/2017
Dr. Afton M. Hansen passed away June 15, 2017 at his home in Mayfield, Utah. He was born Sept. 25, 1925 in Mayfield to Melvin J. and Enid Hansen.
Afton grew up in Mayfield, attending schools there and in Manti. Upon graduation from high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy. During WWII, he served three and half years as an airplane mechanic. He served in the European and Asian theaters.
Upon release from the Navy, he started working as a mechanic at the Mayfield Garage. Later he attended Snow College where he received his 2-year diploma; attended BYU where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He later received a PhD from Utah State University. He taught at Snow College for over 30 years.
Afton was an avid hunter, fisherman and athletic participant. While at Snow College, he was voted Teacher of the Year on several occasions. He was also voted as Preferred Man by the students for the Preference Ball, while he was teaching at Snow.
In later years, he won the Utah Senior Bowling Tournament and represented Utah at the national tournament.
While working for the US Forest Service, he invented a level to put on caterpillars to be able to build terraces for flood control.
After his father died, Afton took care of his mother for 22 years. He was adored by nieces, nephews and other family members. He had the ability to relate to all people. His life has been one of service to others. Afton you will be missed.
He is survived by a brother, LaVar J. Hansen, Salt Lake City; and sister, Cuma (Dennis) Hansen, Avon, Utah, and is preceded in death by a brother, Gayle Hansen; parents; sisters-in-law, Iva Mae Hansen and Connie Hansen.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at noon in the Mayfield Ward Chapel, with a viewing prior to services. Burial was in the Mayfield Cemetery with military honors provided by the Centerfield American Legion Post #105. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book: www.maglebymortuary.com.
