Robert D Hamblen

BURLEY - Robert D Hamblen, an 81-year-old, longtime Burley businessman, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, at his home.

Robert was born December 17, 1934, in Ogden, Utah, the son of Delbert Newton and Fae Rose Hamblen. He was educated in the Roy, Utah; Eden, Idaho; and Paul, Idaho schools, graduating from Paul High School in 1953. Robert attended Brigham Young University for one year before transferring to the University of Utah, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, with a dual major of music and political science.

He married Norma Jean Curtis August 31, 1955, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They had many wonderful years together and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in August.

Robert always kept busy. In high school, he taught organ and piano to several students, worked at his father’s service station, played for Lila Turner’s dance studio, and had a weekly program featuring his organ and piano music at a local radio station. During his college years, he continued to perform his music on a local radio station in Provo while attending BYU, then, later played in a dance band while attending the University of Utah.

After college, Robert and Jean moved back to Burley where he taught eighth grade for two years before becoming the music teacher at Paul and Pioneer elementaries. He then taught piano and organ lessons full time in his home for more than fifteen years.

In 1972, Robert and Jean bought the Mayfair clothing store, later expanding it to include The Celler Men’s Shop. It was here he found his passion, selling clothing and serving the people of the community for 44 years. In 1982, he purchased International Travel, where he enjoyed planning the many cruises and trips he went on.

Robert received the honor of being the Burley Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year. He was active in the community, serving as the president of BAMA, president and treasurer of Community Concerts, and served on the board of and was an ambassador for the Burley Chamber of Commerce.

Robert was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and was an active member of the Burley Rotary club where he was instrumental in starting the Miss Mini-Cassia Scholarship Pageant. He was the organist for the Miss Twin Falls Pageant for 25 years, and for the Miss Idaho Pageant for several years. He also judged in many other pageants in Idaho and Utah.

Robert was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities including ward clerk, financial clerk, gospel doctrine teacher, high priest group leader, second counselor in a bishopric, ward organist and ward music chairman, home teacher, and stake organist for 50 years.

He used his musical talent to bless the lives of others by playing at countless funerals, weddings, and other programs. He loved telling jokes, traveling, clean cars, diamond rings, buying furniture, and going for long rides.

Those surviving him include his wife of 61 years, Jean; two children, Amy (Duane) Blauer of Declo, and Robb Hamblen of Burley; four grandchildren, Sarah (Cody) Somsen of Declo, Matthew (Cheyann) Blauer of Declo, Emily (Patrick) Misner of Boise, and Jackie Hamblen of Moscow; seven great-grandchildren, Jenicka, Jaren, Tyries, Taylon, Brooklin, Jaxton, and Gatlin; and sister-in-law, Lynn Logan of Castle Rock, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rose Ann Hamblen; and his sister-in-law, LeAnn Sorensen.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church, 2200 Oakley Ave., with Bishop Steven Gerratt officiating. Burial will be in the Declo Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, at the church preceding the funeral.