Glen Merrill Huntington

Glen Merrill Huntington, our loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather age 93, died peacefully at home in Thornton, Colorado with his family by his side on April 9, 2023. Dad was loved by all that met him and well thought of. He loved to share the stories of his life of devotion and service to our country and family. Dad was patient and unconditionally loving to all humans and animals alike. He always had time for others, it didn’t matter what was happening in his life, he always put others first. Dad had a passion for his sweets, namely Brach’s Jellybeans and Little Debbie Zebra Cakes. Death would not keep him from a Zebra cake, he enjoyed one before ascending to Heaven to reunite with his loving family.

“A man is born beside the road to death. To die is not so much, it is inevitable. The journey is what matters and what one does along the way. And it’s not that he succeeds or fails, only that he has lived proudly, with honor and respect, then he can die proudly. Have I done anything during this short journey that could be noteworthy? Probably not to anyone except myself. I think we all have dreams and goals. Some of the dreams we live and some of the goals we achieve.” (Glen M. Huntington, 1996, pg. 1)

Glen Merrill Huntington was born on June 12, 1929, in Spanish Fork, Utah to Karen Emelia Otelia Nielson Huntington and Edward Ray Huntington. Glen was one of 8 children growing up on their 60-acre family farm in Palmyra, Utah. Glen learned at age 5 how to water and feed the chickens, livestock, and how to milk the cows and tending the many crops the family grew. Glen worked hard and grew to love life on the family farm.

Glen graduated from Spanish Fork High School on May 23, 1947. On April 19, 1948, Glen enlisted in the United States Air Force and off to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for Basic Training. After basic training, Glen attended Aircraft and Engine Mechanics School at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Glen went on to complete C-54 Cargo Aircraft Loadmaster course and was assigned to be Aircraft and Engine Mechanic Instructor at the base. At 22 years old, Glen reported to the 3769th Student Squadron as their First Sergeant. October 19, 1953, Glen reported to Naha Air Force Base, Okinawa as First Sergeant of the 51st Aircraft Field Maintenance Squadron. In 1954 Glen was promoted to Master Sergeant, and in 1955, Glen reported for Officer Candidate School. In 1956 Glen graduated from United States Air Force Officer Candidate School class of 1956-A and became a Gentleman. In 1957, Glen Graduated from Pilot Training Class of 57-L earning his wings with the aviator call sign “Red Stick”. In 1960 he Graduated Squadron Officer School Class of 60-C at Maxwell AF Base Alabama, Ad Inexplorata, “Toward the unknown”. Glen had many more assignments during his 22 years with the United States Air Force including: Air Defense Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sondrestrom Air Base, Greenland, the Pentagon, and the 14th Aerospace Force traveling the world. After 22 years in the United States Air Force Major Glen Merrill Huntington retired 1 December 1969. Glen began his civilian life as City Manager for East Prairie, Missouri, later Rangely, Colorado, and Brighton, Colorado. Glen worked another 18 years managing grounds maintenance for Perry and Company Properties.

Glen enjoyed spending his retirement with his family and many grandchildren. Between his babysitting and sleepovers, he said they kept him young and gave him great pride in watching them grow and become young adults. March 9, 1997, Rocky Mountain News featured Glen and his granddaughter Vanessa in an article titled “Jet-Powered granddaughter keeps former pilot young.”

Glen Merrill Huntington was preceded in death by his parents Karen Emelia Otelia Nielson Huntington and Edward Ray Huntington, his brother John Ray Huntington, his six sisters: Fay Huntington Wood, Fern Huntington Beckstrom Warner, Rhea Huntington Joley, Eldene Huntington Sheen, Edith Huntington Dunn, and Ethel Huntington Sorensen, and his son John E. Huntington.

Glen is survived by his children Keith A. Huntington, David R. Huntington, Phillip A. Huntington, Allison D. Torberson, and Jennifer M. Young, and son-in-law William H. Young.

Grandchildren: Jason Huntington, Justin Wynne, Vanessa Wynne, (Ben Nelson), Erica Thieme, (Logan Thieme), One Anonymous, William E. Young, (Sasha Young), and Robyn M. Young.

Great Grandchildren: Emeric Julius Palmer, Eliana Marie Thieme, and Harley Ann Young.

Glen’s Extended Family in Utah includes 32 Nieces and Nephews that loved and adored their Uncle Glen.

A special Thank you to Diane Adams and Lynn Sorensen for working to ensure that Dad's Temple work gets completed!

Cemetery Service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80235 on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to honor and remember a life well lived.

Cemetery Service

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

10:00AM

Fort Logan National Cemetery

3698 S. Sheridan Blvd

Denver, CO 80235