Charles Cavett Cummins Jr. (Chuck) passed away June 28, 2024. He was born June 19,1939 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Charles Cavett Cummins Sr. and Thelma Fife Dixon. He had a love-hate relationship with Jackson Hole. He loved the mountains, scenery and wildlife, but hated the snow and cold.
He graduated from Wilson High School in 1957 as the class president and valedictorian. He moved to Utah where he earned his degrees in mathematics, physics and chemistry. He obtained his doctorate degree in 1977 from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in educational administration. While working for the Utah State Board of Education, he developed a computerized progress reporting program for elementary schools for the state.
Chuck’s passion for math and talent for teaching was expressed during his career. He believed in the challenges of education and stimulation through never-ending education of the mind. He taught at Springville High School and Salt Lake Community College as a professor. He found joy seeing students succeed from beginning math to engineering mathematics. It wasn’t unusual for him to tutor his students on the phone, at his home or in class to make sure each student understood math and passed his class.
Some of his favorite things to say were “all mountain lions walked single file, at least the one that I saw did,” “being fair and equitable to both sides of an equation does not disturb the integrity of the original statement,” and “improper planning and preparation produces poor puky performance.”
He worked with Salt Lake Community College and pioneered today’s online learning by starting telecourses on channel 9. His children were unable to go anywhere without running into a former student or somebody who saw him on TV and wanted to watch him finish the math problem.
Chuck married Elaine Lucas on August 12,1966 in the Salt Lake Temple and resided in Springville and Spanish Fork Utah. They have four children: Holly (Jon) Ellis of Spanish Fork, Utah, Wylin (Kristen) Cummins of Mapleton, Utah, Charmay (Aaron) Hill of Lehi, Utah, Richard (Julie) Cummins of Spanish Fork, Utah. They have 8 grandchildren: Brooklynn (Tyson) McNeil, LeAnn (Marcus) Stephens, Andrew (Makayla) Hill, Ammon Cummins, Kaison Hill, Ethan Cummins, Brenna Cummins, and Lily Hill.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Charlene Regel.
Chuck had a great love for music. He started playing the organ for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was 9. He had several opportunities to share his talent and would often stay the entire day to be the organist for many religious denominations during his military service. He had a lifetime calling of serving as the ward organist. His talent led him to join and accompany the Utah Valley Children’s Choir for 12 years, sharing his testimony through music throughout the world.
He had a love of animals and nature and found relaxation in beautifying his yard. He was well known for working in his yard well after dark with a flashlight and a perfectly measured 2×4 labeled “CANAS.” Spacing was mathematically perfect for his canna lilies. He was well known for his beautiful yard and was regularly named yard of the week and yard of month.
A viewing will be held at Walker Mortuary, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah on Tuesday July 2, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A viewing will also be held prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 9:45 – 10:45 am. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, on July 3, 2024 at the church located at 1158 E. 1240 S. Spanish Fork, Utah. Interment services will follow at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.
The Cummins family would like to thank the nurses and hospice care for the outstanding support and care received at Hearthstone Manor care facility. They showed compassion and love for Chuck and his family during his stay there.
7 Condolences for Charles “Chuck” Cavett Cummins Jr.
Condolences(7)
Beth Lucas says
July 1, 2024 at 9:25 pmI am so sorry, Elaine. I will not be able to make it to any of the services. My heart goes out to you and the family.
Kelly Kennard says
July 2, 2024 at 12:28 amI’m so sorry for your loss… I happened to see this obituary for “Chuck”… He was my Math professor at UVSC about 24 years ago. He was such a wonderful man. I remember those phrases well, especially “being fair and equitable to both sides of an equation does not disturb the integrity of the original statement,”… He left a genuine impression on me of his kindness, intelligence, and fun nature. I loved having him as my professor and will remember him fondly. My heart goes out to your family at this tender and hard time. 💛
Butch. Degn says
July 2, 2024 at 12:47 amChuck was good friend and a great teacher. He was respected by his students for always being at the ready to help no matter where or when. He will surely be missed.
Love and peace to his family…
Kathy says
July 2, 2024 at 10:13 pmSo sorry to learn of Mr. Cummins passing. I lived in the 10th Ward while growing up and had the privilege of hearing him play the organ many times, it was wonderful. Condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Ruth Stiver says
July 3, 2024 at 12:35 amBeautiful obituary and slideshow to honor a successful life. Prayers and condolences to your family.
Payam Mahbobi says
August 29, 2024 at 9:29 pmMy condolences to Dr. Cummins’ family. Dr. Cummins was my professor 25 years ago. What a great gentleman and a great educator. May his soul rest in peace.
Douglas Heer says
November 25, 2025 at 3:24 amI am sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. He was the only reason I was able to pass calculus and differential equations. This made me able to continue on and receive my mechanical engineering degree which has affected my employment in the best way. More importantly it made me able to tutor my sons throughout their math classes. Just remember to always verify if the equation is a function, be sure it is roller coaster safe and the roof doesn’t leak! I can’t imagine the multitude of students who Chuck Cummins served and assisted in their scholastic endeavors. Thanks Chuck.
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