Paul Driggs Christensen, 91, passed away March 17,2006, at home where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law.

He was born March 11, 1915 in American Fork, Utah, to Maud Driggs and Bernard Niels Christensen. His childhood was spent in school and helping with the family's farming enterprises. His character was shaped as he milked cows and drove them to pasture, gathered eggs, delivered milk and cream, and weeded acres of cabbages and onions. He loved the land and the long days spent together with his father and brothers. His mother taught him the thoughtful social courtesies that he practiced all his life. She cultivated in him a love of music and excellence in the arts. He became a good pianist.

After high school graduation, Paul attended Brigham Young University. He had a teachable spirit and was highly influenced by his fine professors. He graduated in 1937 with a bachelor's degree in agronomy.

It was while he was working for the Soil Conservation Service in Price that he met Beth Mae Guymon. They were married February 18, 1941, and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple three days later. From the beginning they brought out the best in each other. Theirs was an equal partnership and a lifelong love affair. Beth fostered Paul's special refined nature. Though his daily work was often out in fields and on farms at her encouragement he wore a white shirt all of his waking hours for the past sixty years. They are the parents of seven children, 27 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Paul was drafted into World War II after the birth of their third child. He spent a year in Japan. Then the GI Bill made it possible for him to continue his education. Upon his return, he moved his family to Logan where he received a master's degree in soil science in 1948. He went on to complete a PhD at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1950 in soil chemistry.

His professional life began at Texas A&M University research station in EI Paso. Four years later he became Extension Soils Specialist at Utah State University. For more than 25 years he traveled throughout Utah as he taught principles of soil-water-crop management. Few people find as much satisfaction in their daily work as he did. He loved the state and knew the name of each town and the number of miles that separated it from the next "metropolis." He enjoyed working with farmers, golf course managers, garden clubs, civic groups, and students. He cooperated closely with other USU staff members in soils, crops, agricultural engineering, and agricultural extension. The Extension Service was a closely knit professional group and as a result many of Paul and Beth's cherished friendships were made through those associations.

Paul's USU assignment included cooperative work with university agronomists and fertilizer industry representatives in the Northwest. A major thrust of his work involved setting up fieldcrop fertilizer tests, lawn fertilizer tests, and other studies throughout Utah. In 1980, Paul received a special award from the Northwest Plant Food association in recognition of his years of service in fostering-through his radio and TV programs, magazine articles, university publications, and field fertilizer research-the practical and wise use of commercial fertilizers.

Even more important to Paul was his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life was filled with faith and faithfulness. His church service included wonderful years as bishop's counselor, bishop, high councilor, missionary with Beth, and branch president. He spent countless hours on the ward welfare farm, in the temple, and doing name extraction. Paul and Beth's most important service came in less formal ways. They lived the injunction to love their neighbors. Their happiest days were those when their home was filled with family, friends, and others with special needs.

Their children are the beneficiaries of a home filled with happy activities, love and kindness, an emphasis on education, and a foundation of faith. Paul is survived by their children, Karen (David) Luthy, North Logan, Mark (Janet), Greeley, Colorado, Roger (Elaine), Sandy, Dan, Salt Lake City, Susan (Sam) Bessinger, Clovis, California, and Reed (Cathy), Mililani, Hawaii. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Beth and their daughter Carole Marie.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 23, at noon in the Northwood Ward Chapel, 125 East 500 North, in Logan. A viewing will be held Wednesday, March 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 32 East Center, Logan, and at the church on Thursday from 10:30-11 :30 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be Friday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the American Fork Cemetery.

Condolences may be extended to the family at Allen Mortuaries.