Feb. 26, 1926-Jan. 19, 2024
Roland Alvin Hall, 97, unexpectedly transitioned from his earthly life to his heavenly home on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, while doing something he loved – working on his ranch. He was born on Feb. 26, 1926, in Hurricane, Utah to Alvin Hall and Ann Pickett Hall.
Growing up in Hurricane during the Great Depression, Roland learned to work hard as a youth on the family farm, picking fruit in local orchards during the summer, and hiring out to other farmers when possible. At 13 years old, he teamed up with a cousin to cut all of the wheat in the Hurricane valley as the driver and operator of the wheat harvester. As he once said, “It was just work all day, every day.” That work ethic stayed with him for his entire life.
Roland attended Hurricane Elementary School and Hurricane High School, graduating in 1944. Shortly before finishing high school, he received his World War II draft notice and entered the army soon after his graduation. He served honorably in the 188th Army Paratroop Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division from 1944-46. Because he earned his expert rifle marksmanship, he carried the Browning automatic rifle. His unit was involved in the liberation of the Philippines and the post-war occupation of Japan. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, in addition to several other military service medals and ribbons.
After his Army service, Roland briefly attended Dixie Junior College, then decided to serve a two-year mission, assigned to Western Canada, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was during that time he met his sweetheart, Thelma Hansen. After his mission service ended, and a long-distance courtship, they were married on Sept. 13, 1950, in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. They enjoyed 71 wonderful years together, before Thelma’s passing in January 2022. We find great peace and joy in knowing that they are reunited once again.
As a young military veteran, Roland homesteaded and purchased land which enabled him to start a ranching operation. He also went into business with one of his brothers as a heavy equipment contractor, learning engineering and equipment repair skills on the job.
Roland served faithfully in a variety of church callings throughout his life, including Bishopric service, and Young Men’s President, among others. Serving a senior mission with his sweetheart, Thelma, in the Corpus Christi, Texas Mission was a special time and a highlight in their lives.
He was very involved with his American Legion Post and could be seen riding on their parade float, dressed in his original World War II uniform, on every Fourth of July and Peach Days parade. He was also involved with the Utah Sons of the Pioneers, and Hurricane Historical Committee, playing a key role in the restoration of the Historic Hurricane Canal Trail and Lookout Point.
Roland was a loving husband, father of seven and father figure to many more, grandfather, great-grandfather, life-long missionary, World War II paratrooper, skilled bulldozer operator, farmer, rancher, cow whisperer, comedian, movie star, patriot and storyteller who lived his life to the fullest right up until, literally, his last second.
He is survived by his children Elyse Mooneyham, Joan Hall, Vickie Jacobsen (Ron), Brent Hall (Gina), Robert Hall (Yovonda), Margie Pierce (Terry), Michelle Taylor (Owen), brother Wesley Vard Hall (Toni), 23 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren.
Roland is preceded in death by his father Alvin Hall, mother Ann Pickett Hall, siblings Wendell Hall, Gerald Hall, Lorna Flater, Alaina Glenna Newhart, Beverly Hall, Una Rhean Pendleton, Evelyn Hall, son-in-law Doug Mooneyham, grandson Tyler Hall and three great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 26, 6-8 p.m. at the Spilsbury Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 25 N 2000 W, Hurricane, Utah.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hurricane North Chapel, 155 E 1050 N, Hurricane, Utah, with a viewing and visitation prior to services from 9-10:30 a.m.
Interment will take place at the Hurricane City Cemetery, 225 E 600 N, Hurricane, Utah.
Friends and family who are unable to attend are invited to click here to view the services. online.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Roland’s online guest book.