Afton Clark Fawcett

Afton Clark Fawcett, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Hurricane, UT on August 26, 2021. Afton was born July 5, 1928, in Alpine, UT to Robert Fawcett and Nancy Langston. His mother and uncle Reed Langston raised him alongside his three cousins in Hurricane. He graduated from Hurricane High School and Dixie College. It was while attending Dixie College that he caught the eye of the beautiful Viola Talbot in his new red convertible. They were married in the Manti, UT temple on June 15, 1951. Afton initially worked for the state road with dreams of becoming a pharmacist until health reasons led him to turn a hobby into a very unique business. He started collecting and selling stamps until some customers asked him for local rocks and minerals. He eventually turned this into a wholesale rock and mineral business. He later expanded his business to include other nature items such as wildflowers, butterflies, and desert shrimp. Perhaps what he was known most for, however, was ants. He became known as the “Ant Man.” He has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles around the country as well as television programs. He was even invited to appear on Johnny Carson’s show. In addition, he discovered several rare fossil species that have been displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. Several of the trilobites he discovered were featured in major magazines. He was also one of the first collectors at the Millard County fossil site. He was always coming up with new ideas. He was not afraid to try anything. He continued collecting until he was no longer physically able. He spent his life teaching others how to collect nature items. Several of his children or their spouses built similar businesses. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Stake Clerk for 17 years and was involved in the purchase of the Hurricane Stake Farm. He also served as High Priest Group leader and in his later years called members of his ward to give the Sacrament meeting prayers. In his spare time, he participated in and won many trophies pitching horseshoes. He would often set up horseshoe pits on family outings and teach his children and grandchildren to throw. He was also a talented harmonica player and would entertain family and friends alike. He was a generous person who was always giving away fruits and vegetables from his garden and trees. He would also collect bread from Subway and hand it out to family and friends. He always gave more than he kept. He had a great sense of humor which he carried with him right up to the end of his life. He always knew how to brighten the mood regardless of the circumstance. He and Viola were married for 67 years and raised six children who all live in Hurricane. They were very involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives. Their home had a revolving door of children and grandchildren coming and going right up to the final hours of his life. Many came to visit and sing with him in his final hours. He is survived by his six children: Sherron (Steve) Wilcock, Nancy (Dan) Wilcock, Clark (Michelle) Fawcett, Mary (Joe) Johnson, Kent (Kristen) Fawcett, and Lareesa (Jared) Jensen, along with 27 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife Viola, one grandson, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 6th at 11:00 AM at the Hurricane Stake Center located at 677 South 700 West in Hurricane. The viewings will be Sunday, September 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the stake center, and again Monday, September 6th from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. The burial will be in the Hurricane Cemetery. The family would like to thank Sun Tree Home Health and Hospice for their loving care this past year; especially the care from Jill, Bri, and Trinity. Funeral Services will be available live stream via the Zoom app. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88514588115?pwd=Z3FLZTJ0eFc1YURFdGh1WjZyWjZXdz09 Meeting ID: 885 1458 8115 Passcode: 831869

Afton Clark Fawcett

July 5, 1928 - August 26, 2021