Valdean Hunt, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home in Enterprise, Utah. He often said, "I was born in this house, and I want to die in this house." He was favored to do just that, peacefully, and surrounded by family, on August 10, 2025.

Valdean married his lifelong sweetheart, Mavis Dawn, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1959. They were later sealed in the St George Temple.

They were blessed with four children - Jeffrey Val (Shanda), Valerie Dawn, Gary John, and Jean Rachelle Perkins (Douglas).  They have continued to be blessed with 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Valdean was born on April 22, 1936, to Jonathan Amos Hunt and Agnes Jones Hunt. He prided himself as a Southern Utah boy and spent his youth exploring, hiking, and swimming the areas of Gunlock, Veyo, and Enterprise.

Valdean was a very industrious man and excelled in anything he put his his mind to.  His first job was breaking horses when he was 12 years old, with his father, including riding as jockey during horse races.

He went to school in Enterprise and lettered in basketball with Enterprise High.

He worked with the railroad where his hard work and joyful attitude earned him the nickname "Gandy Dancer."  Later he joined his brother Billie driving 'diesel' cross-country throughout the Midwest, for Parke Cox. He proudly used "Gandy Dancer" as his CB handle and the nickname stuck.  He was known by this the rest of his life. His son Jeff said "my dad is made of barbed wire and nails".

Valdean spent the rest of his career in the trucking industry, and on his retirement, he was awarded the exclusive honorary achievement for driving 4 million accident-free miles.

Despite retirement, Valdean did not slow down.  He focused on family, community, and his faith.  Over the past few years, with his sweetheart, Mavis, they grew beautiful vegetable gardens, often bottling the vegetables just to give away.  Valdean was ever busy in his beloved garden up to his death.

Valdean will be remembered for his loud voice, gentle smile, and unconditional love.  He was accepting of everyone and a peaceful man.  In conflict, silence and patience were his greatest strengths. He will be missed but continued to be loved by all that have known him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a viewing prior from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Enterprise 2nd Ward Chapel, 620 East Main Street, Enterprise, Utah. Interment will be in the Enterprise City Cemetery.