St. George, Utah: Charles Herbert “Herb” Mulnix, 90, St. George, Utah and lifelong resident of Bethany, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side in St. George on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
He was born November 22, 1932, the son of Rayman M. and Grace L. (Baker) Mulnix in Ridgeway, Missouri.
In 1935, as a toddler, his parents moved to the farm east of Bethany that he called ‘Home’. There he grew up and graduated from South Harrison High School in 1950. After graduating high school, he served in the Army for 2 years before returning to the farm. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time with his nephews and nieces and was very active in many things, including bowling, golfing and softball. He was a lifelong farmer, raising cattle and crops. He loved hunting, fishing and always being outdoors.
In 1986, with some “nudging” from friends, he participated in square dance lessons with the Bethany Boots & Belles Square Dance Club. It was there that Herb met the love of his life, Linda (Palmer) Wilkinson, whom he married on October 25, 1986 in Braymer, Missouri. Along with the help of friends and family from Prairie Chapel, Herb & Linda celebrated with an old-fashioned shivaree, that was one of the last known shivarees on the Harrison County Square – wheelbarrow, mischief and lots of fun for all. Along with a wife, he gained a daughter – Carol Ann.
Two years later in 1988, they were blessed with a daughter – Catherine Grace. They purchased a camper and began traveling, eventually becoming ‘Winter Texans’ for several years. They also spent many hours playing cards and visiting with friends. There wasn’t a card game he didn’t know how to play and he shared that fun with his daughters & grandchildren. In 1994, Herb retired from farming and he, Linda & Catherine divided their time between traveling, southern Texas and the farm.
Herb lived his entire life on the same farm and along with Linda shared the love of the land with their family.
For many years, they gardened and canned together, always having a huge crop of sweet corn to sell & share.
There was never a shortage of walnuts on the farm and Herb spent many hours during the wintertime picking out the walnut goodies for snacking, baking and sharing. Together they also planted fruit trees and made many jams and jellies from the various berry bushes and fruit they raised.
In December 2002, Herb, Linda and Catherine made a trip to Southern Utah and they loved it so much they stayed, building a house in 2003. That same year, Herb joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was sealed to his wife, Linda and daughter, Catherine in October 2004 at the Saint George LDS Temple for time and all eternity. He served as a Missionary for the LDS church in Welfare Services during the winter for 15 years – working at the Bishop’s Storehouse helping the less fortunate. After Catherine graduated high school in 2007, Herb and Linda began dividing their time between Utah and Missouri, spending their winters in the Utah desert away from the Midwest cold, until he suffered a stroke in May 2020.
Herb lived a very full life and he was a great example of love and service to others. He will be remembered by the many lives he touched; he will be truly missed and forever loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law – Laura Lee & Fred Eagan, and his brother – Alfred Mulnix; along with many friends and other family members.
In addition to his wife – Linda; he is survived by his daughter – Catherine Abegg (Skyler) & grandsons – Payden & Parker; his daughter – Carol (Wilkinson) Coffey, grandson – Dylan & granddaughters – RayNe & Emma; his sister-in-law – Mary Mulnix, niece – Susan (Steve) & nephews – Randy (Kana) & Raymond (Tina); his brother – David (Carol) & nephews – Allen (Corinna) & Brian (Anna), his additional niece & nephew – Sarah Eagan & Paul Eagan; along with many great nieces & nephews and his faithful furry companion – Scooter, his cat.
Per Herb’s request a private interment will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023.
Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Chapel Cemetery and/or Herb Mulnix Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424.