Dr. Delbert Jay Eatough Obituary (1940

Dr. Delbert Jay Eatough, 82, of Provo, Utah, passed away on December 16, 2022 after complications from a heart attack. Delbert was born on September 15, 1940 in Provo, Utah. He was the son of Richard George Eatough and Thelma Burr Eatough. He was raised in Provo, Utah. Delbert met his sweetheart, Judith Mae Pursley, while attending Brigham Young University (BYU). The couple was married on March 5, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple and raised seven children together. Delbert graduated from Provo High School in 1958. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Doctorate of Chemistry both from BYU. Delbert then began work as a chemist for Shell Development Laboratory in Emeryville, California. He began his work at BYU in 1970 when he was invited to be the director of the newly created Thermochemical Institute at BYU. In 1972, he was promoted to a full-time faculty member as an Associate Professor of Chemistry and was promoted to full professor in 1985. Delbert enjoyed working with both undergraduate and graduate students during his 37 years at BYU and had over 400 publications. Throughout Delbert’s career he participated in research in calorimetry and air pollution around the world and published hundreds of research papers. He frequently presented his research at the North American Calorimetry Conference and the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) Annual Meetings and served on various committees and as chair for both organizations. Later in his career, he served as expert counsel for the Environmental Protection Agency. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society, the Air Pollution Control Association, and the American Association for Aerosol Research. Notable awards Delbert received during his career include the National Defense Education Act Predoctoral Fellowship, BYU’s Karl G. Maeser Award, and the 2010 A&WMA Frank A. Chambers Excellence in Air Pollution Control Award. Delbert served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission from 1960 to 1962. His mission uniquely included the performance of a musical titled “Promised Valley” at the Westhoff Theatre at Illinois State Normal University. It also included his participation in the “Mormon Ten Melody Men.” Other callings Delbert enjoyed over the years included serving as a scoutmaster, a bishop to the BYU 101st Ward, and a ward organist. Delbert began learning to play the piano at age seven and he proceeded to learn the organ after his retirement – he enjoyed both immensely. He enjoyed spending time in his backyard caring for his garden. He often traveled for both work and pleasure, visiting many countries including Australia, Brazil, Botswana, Canada, China, England, Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, and Zimbabwe. He especially loved trips that included camping and hiking and was a National Park enthusiast. His children and grandchildren often joined him on these adventures. Delbert will be fondly remembered for his service to family members and his Savior; his love of family, nature, and music; his sense of humor; his enthusiasm in joining a game of cards; and his dedication to the BYU Cougars. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Richard George Eatough Jr. and Thelma Burr Eatough; his siblings, Richard George Eatough III and Wanda Beth Eatough; and his son, Jonathan Eatough. Delbert is survived by his wife, Judith Pursley Eatough; his siblings, Norman Eatough and Judith Thompson; his children, Michael Eatough (Fen), Michele Jones (Robert), David Eatough (Marilee), Melinda Blomquist (Craig), Rebecca Scholl (Wesley), Jennifer Eatough, and Elizabeth Eatough; and his grandchildren, Andrew Blomquist, Amanda Eatough, Katelyn Blomquist, Caleb Blomquist, Gavin Scholl, Kyle Scholl, Cameron Scholl, Eloise Jones, Matthew Scholl, and Abigail Jones. The family expresses appreciation to the doctors and staff of Utah Valley Hospital for the care they provided Delbert during his final days. A viewing will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, located at 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Memorial services will be held to celebrate Delbert’s life beginning at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at the Grandview South Stake Center, located at 1122 Grand Avenue, Provo, Utah. The family will be receiving guests one hour before this memorial service. Interment will be held in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com. Services can be viewed LIVE at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwqNUiAShK-8VbiZMxMSp07DBjVmsiPtd