David Blaine Thayne

June 14, 1935 - August 10, 2015
David Blaine Thayne
Service Date:
Saturday, August 15, 2015 10:00 AM
Service Location:
Utah Veterans Memorial Park Chapel

David Blaine Thayne was born in a log cabin on June 14, 1935 in Mountain Home, Utah, the 5th of 6 children born to Rulon Thayne and Margaret Farnsworth Thayne.  As a young child, David helped with the many chores needed for his family's survival, farming, milking cows and caring for animals. He joined the army out of high school, was part of the 502nd Airborn Infantry, 101st Airborn Division from 1956-1962. He worked in personnel, jumped from airplanes, and eventually went to army language school where he became fluent in Russian. He also became fluent in Spanish in college and received a master’s degree in Russian. He taught English, Spanish and foreign language classes for over 30 years at Highland High School in Salt Lake. He traveled to Russia, Mexico, and spent a lot of time in Uruguay. He loved his family, language, history, world cultures, and never missed an opportunity to learn throughout his life.

David is preceded in death by his parents, brother Rulon Lamar, sisters Leola Stapley and LaRee Gines.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Gladys Cruz Thayne, sons David,

Troy, Timothy and David Cruz Thayne, daughters Ana Stark, Deborah Evans, Silvia Mosier, Divina Dennis, Patricia Thayne, grandkids and  great-grandkids.

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 14th, from 7-9 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park Chapel, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, where a viewing will begin one hour prior. Interment to follow at the cemetery.