John Elwin Stapley

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, John Elwin Stapley, was called home on Monday July 8, 2024, at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully at his home in Clearfield and was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord. He was embraced by his wife JoAnn, his sons Mike and Tracy as well as many other loved ones on the other side of the veil. It was a long awaited and joyous reunion. He leaves behind a large family and legacy who are saddened at his passing, but grateful that he was ours. 

It is difficult to sum up a man’s life who was known to be a hero to many, a friend to all, a legend in his own right and a man larger than life. He loved and protected his wife and children fiercely. 

Elwin was born on March 25, 1940, to Lucille and Frank Stapley in Lyman Wyoming. He was hit by a car at a young age which impacted his life. He was raised primarily in Orem Utah along with one brother, Leland Stapley. He graduated from Orem High School in 1958. He joined the navy and received an honorable (medical discharge). He was a plumber by trade. He owned his own company, Anchor Plumbing. Elwin was a creative individual, often making his own inventions and work. He made Halloween costumes for his children. He always helped make the most epic school projects. He was often found in his garage puttering around, as he called it, while making a new shelf of some sort for his massive collection of DVD’s. He loved movies. Dad also loved to travel, mostly road trips. He was always taking the long and scenic route. We spent time with him at the cabin or camping, boating, and almost anything outdoors. He loved nature and animals. The sight of an eagle would often make him emotional. The view of a herd of elk made him full of excitement. He found joy in little things. He loved children and babies. He always wondered how anyone could ever be bored with so many things to see and do on this earth. Some of his favorite places to visit were Fort Bridger, Wyoming, the rock gardens in Oregon, Dinosaur Land in Vernal, Bear World in Rexburg Idaho, Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota, and Lava Hot Springs in Idaho. Dad was also fond of Timpanogos cave and the mountain. He described it as his favorite mountain. He was able to participate in the annual hike sponsored by BYU for many years. He continued to hike the mountain years after that was discontinued. When he visited the cave, he knew more than the tour guides and would often point out objects that would delight the crowd. He was able to travel more as he was older visiting theme parks, national parks, cruises, and a few other countries. He enjoyed spending time with his family. 

Elwin met his sweetheart JoAnn, on a date with her cousins and they were married shortly after on June 26, 1959. They were sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake City temple by Delbert L Stapley, a general authority. They often took drives through the canyons in Provo while dating. Our mother passed away in 2006 and to say that he was heartbroken is an understatement. Our Dad and Mom lovingly raised 8 children, settling in Clearfield Utah. Dad lived in the same home for almost 50 years which made for lasting friendships in the area for him. He was a friend to all who knew him. He went out of his way to serve others. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held the position of High Priest. Dad served in many callings in the church including 2nd counselor in the bishopric, high priest group leader, primary teacher, scout leader and others. However, his favorite calling was ward librarian because he loved to visit with everyone. Dad always took his home teaching position very seriously and often showered his families with gifts. He never forgot about anyone in his neighborhood for Christmas, serving them pistachios and salt water taffy every year. After our mother’s passing, he spent a lot of time with his dear friend Dale Droubay until Dale passed away a few years ago. 

Our Dad enjoyed scouting and hunting. He supported his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all of their sports, dance, plays, and other activities. He always showed his love, support, and encouragement. He rarely missed an event or opportunity to see his family doing whatever it was that they loved. He worked very hard to provide for his family. Both he and our mother sacrificed a lot to give us an amazing life. 

Elwin is survived by his children, Laurie (Mike) Alvey West Haven, Utah, Lafe (Terri) Stapley Smithfield Utah, Neil Stapley Clearfield Utah, Wendy Stapley, West Valley Utah, Vickie (Roger) Graham Hooper Utah, and Jennifer Stapley Kaysville Utah. He is also survived by many grand children and their spouses and also many great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife JoAnn, Sons Tracy and Mike, his brother Leland, his parents Frank and Lucille, and his step mother Ruth as well as many other loved ones. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday July 11, 2024 at Walker Mortuary, 45 W 200 N, Morgan, UT. A graveside service will be held on Friday July 12, 2024 at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch,1718 Combe Road, South Ogden, UT at 10 am.