John Phillip Anderson passed away September 18, 2021 at the age of 95. He was born April 16, 1926 in Huntington, Utah to John Leslie Anderson and Ruth Ada Gardner. He was the third of seven children. He married Laura Belle Wayman on June 15, 1948 in the Manti Temple. Laura preceded him in death in 1966. He later married Rayona Taylor on November 21, 1969 in Castle Gate, Utah. When they married John had nine children and Rayona had seven. Together they had two more. For those who struggle with math, that’s 18 children.
John lived a good life, he was self taught and he was a hard worker. He was a coal miner, barber, owned and operated the Vali Drive In movie theater in Huntington, he sold wood burning stoves, trampolines, did small engine repair along with many other jobs.
Dad rarely spoke of his military service, only when prodded and not in any detail. He was proud to have served in the US Navy during WWII aboard the USS Braxton AP-138 as the Coxswain of the Admiral’s gig. During this time, he made several Pacific crossings to transport troops and supplies in the Japanese theater. Braxton and her crew landed in Japan as the first occupational troops.
Dad’s sense of humor was awesome and endless, like his children. For example, when the nurse needed his finger for pulseox she would say, “Can I see your finger?” Dad replied, “You can if you open your eyes.”
Because of Dad’s love for the desert, his children and grandchildren have developed a great love for the outdoors. Our family has spent many Easter’s and other occasions making fond and happy memories there. If you haven’t had Dad’s dutch oven chicken, you haven’t lived. He loved riding horses and cows, ice-skating, bowhunting and raising pheasants and chukars.
Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a counselor in the bishopric, he was a ward mission leader and reached the hearts of many that others could not. At age 88 he was a nursery leader which is his ticket straight to heaven. He loved the Lord and faithfully honored his priesthood.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sisters: LaRue (Harold) Alger, Dora (Bill) Clements, Mary Lou (David) Hight, Leila (Richard) Hight and brother June (Fonta) Anderson, daughters: Grace Marie (Jan) Johnson, Bonnie Ruth (Rodney) Wilde, Gay Linn Anderson, sons: John Roger Anderson and Boyd Kurt Anderson, granddaughters Berdette and Janette Wilde, grandson John Ian Anderson, and great-granddaughter Charity Cox.
He is survived by the rest of the family… wife Rayona Anderson, sister Cleo (Eugene) Powell, daughters: LauraLee (Duane) Cox, Joleen (Paul) Huntington, Sandra Denice (Boyd) Crowther, Kara Rae (Chaff) Pullan, Camie Danielle (Doug) Stilson, son Kelley Wade Anderson and Rayona’s seven children. Trust us, that’s still 18 children.
We would like to express our gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Huntsman Cancer Institute for giving dad a second lease on life. We also thank the staff at Legacy Village, Dr. Trenaisa Nay, Canyon Hospice, and caregivers Veronica and Misty for their compassionate care.
Services will be held Saturday September 25, 2021 at 12:00 PM in the Huntington, Utah Stake Center located on main street in Huntington, Utah.
Viewing prior to service 11:00 – 11:45 AM.
Viewing Friday September 24, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Interment will be in the Huntington City Cemetery. Friends and family may sign the on-line guest book and share memories of John at www.fausettmortuary.com