James "Marty" Martin Lunnen

James Martin “Marty” Lunnen passed away January 23, 2023, in West Jordan, Utah.  He was born on February 3, 1959, in Murray, Utah.  He was married to Cathleen Baucom on June 30, 1978.  They were later divorced.

  Marty was a true cowboy at heart. He loved everything rodeo. He started bull riding in high school and was a member of the Bingham High School Rodeo Club and FFA Club. He decided to change to Saddle Bronc Riding after high school and competed in several local RMRA rodeos.

  He was an avid Denver Broncos fan, he rarely missed watching a game.  He was so excited when he was able to go with his son Shad to a game at the old Mile High Stadium before the new one was built. He loved the Broncos even when they were not playing well, he would say, “just give it time, they’ll do better.”

  He loved his family and rarely missed calling them on their Birthdays and Christmas just to let them know he was thinking of them.  We are all going to miss those calls.

  He loved his children, Tabitha and Shad and took to heart the responsibility of being their dad. He loved being a grandpa. He never missed the opportunity to brag about his grandchildren. He cherished every moment he spent with Gage, Myleigh, and Khloe.

  Marty was employed by and retired from Utah Department of Transportation. He was chosen to operate the large equipment.  If it was snowing, he was out driving one of the large snowplows.  It was hard work, but Marty enjoyed working for them.

  He was a hard worker and had a caring heart.  If you ever needed anything, you could always count on Marty to give it his all.

  Marty is survived by his children: Tabitha Lunnen of West Jordan, Utah, Shad (Candice) Lunnen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; father:  Larry E Lunnen (Maureen) of Ivins, Utah; brothers: Larry (Norm) Gunn of Berkley, CA, Jason (Pam) Lunnen of Bountiful, Utah; sisters: Debbie (Ervin) Blumhorst of Iona, ID, Juri (Kelly) Strong of St George, Utah, Jamie (Gonzo) Gonzales of Murray, Utah.  James (Diane) Purser of Salt Lake City, Utah.  3 grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews whom he loved.  Preceded in death by his mother:  Barbara Kaye Lunnen; brothers: Jaren Lunnen, Preston Purser; sister: Christie McAffee.

  Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Ward Chapel at 8539 S 2200 W, West Jordan. Friends may call at the Ward Chapel on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.