Emer Devirl (Ed) Barfuss

On Thursday, April 8, 2021, Emer Devirl Barfuss passed away at the age of 79 in Orem, Utah. A Graveside Service will be held at the Highland Cemetery, Tuesday, April 13 at 11 AM.

Devirl was born July 3, 1941 in Laramie, Wyoming to Emer Frederick Barfuss and Juanita Bishop. The family moved often when he was young, living in Laramie, Grand Junction and Strasberg, Colorado and finally ending up in California. He graduated from Fullerton High School and attended Fullerton Junior College until he left on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Brazil South Mission for two and a half years. He returned home to finish his college degree at Brigham Young University in Provo.

He first married Susan Mae Ruka, February 15, 1969, in Los Angeles, California. They were blessed with 4 children. Sue passed away of cancer on March 21, 1985.

Devirl then married Lorena Totter Henderson on October 19, 1985. Five more children of Lorena's were then added to the family.

Devirl worked first at Douglas Aircraft, then at Mag Parts where he was Quality Control for the specialized magnesium products they produced. He then moved to the Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton, California. He worked there until 1999 when the plant was closed down. Devirl and Lorena moved to Bristol, Rhode Island, where he was transferred to Raytheon on Aquidneck Island. He spent three years there until he retired in 2002. After retirement he moved to Alpine, Utah, housesitting for a son who had moved to England. Upon the family's return Devirl and Lorena settled in Highland, Utah.

Devirl served in the Bishopric in California, as scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, on the High Council in a BYU Stake and lately in the Developmental Center Ward as well as numerous callings in the various wards throughout his life. He loved reading Church history and doctrine.

His avocation was trimming trees and he served his neighborhood by helping prune fruit trees, teaching friends about trimming trees and caring for trees in the churches where he served. He had a lifelong interest in politics and the schooling of the young. He volunteered to help in classrooms in California and in Utah. He helped many candidates with their campaigns for City Council or school board seats.

He loved adventure, camping and exploring caves and canyons. He had a lifelong interest in Easter Island. In 2017 he was able to visit Easter Island and had hoped to return last year.

Devirl was a kind and generous man, loved by his family and friends. He always had a smile for everyone and will be missed by everyone he whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sue, his parents, one son, D. Rand Henderson and one grandson, Eli Henderson. He is survived by his wife, Lorena; his sons Kim (Jen) Barfuss, Jared (Kathie) Barfuss, Eric (Allison) Henderson; his daughters Rebecca (Bob) Barraza, Abbie (John) Spaeth, Fawn Henderson Penrod, Dawn Henderson Mosley, Kendra Henderson (Michael) Pickard and 37 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, and one burr oak he raised from an acorn that he will be watching over every day.