John B Averett

John B Averett peacefully returned to his heavenly home on July 26th 2017 surrounded by those he loved after battling cancer for three years.

John was born March 24th 1948 in Payson, Utah to Bud and Jane Averett. He grew up in Springville and graduated from Springville High School in 1966. John enjoyed a childhood in a loving home where many of his attributes were forged. He spent much of his childhood “up the canyon” camping, hunting, and fishing with his family. From a very young age he loved competing in sports. At Springville High he played football, baseball and excelled in basketball.

After graduation, John served as an LDS missionary in the West Central States Mission. He attended school at Snow College and Brigham Young University.

On November 5th 1971 John married Karen Warren his “young and lovely Dove” in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Together they would have five sons and one “Darling Daughter”.

John worked construction for 41 years and garnered a reputation as one of the best grader operators in the state. He made many lifelong friends working for Thorn Rock Products and Geneva Rock. For many years he was a union representative for Operating Engineers. He retired from work in 2010.

John served in various capacities. He coached many youth sports for many years and was president of the SHS Booster Club, president of Mapleton City Baseball and was Vice President of the North American Checker Association. He served in his church throughout his life accepting and fulfilling many callings which culminated with him serving as a temple worker in the Payson Temple, a position he loved. John cherished the testimony he had of Jesus Christ and eternal families and shared it often with his loved ones.

John’s lifetime motto of “you’re never in better company than when you’re with your own kids” was exemplified in the way he lived. He spent enormous amounts of time with his kids and grandkids. He took them fishing and hunting and for rides up the canyon to run the dogs. Some of his favorite moments were in his pickup packed with grandkids lost on some dirt road. John loved ballgames and would attend as many of his kids’ and grandkids’ games as he possibly could. He would reward them after each game with a handshake and a rolled up dollar bill. He was a loyal Red Devil fan throughout his life attending countless games. Later, he even learned to love Maple Mountain as he supported his grandkids there.

John is survived by his wife Karen and their children, Johnny (Rhiannon), Stacy Austin (Keith), Chris (Whitnee), Willie (Vanessa), Jimmy (Tyanna), Kevin (Brooke), 23 grandchildren, his sister Tammy, and brothers Mark and Steven. He was preceded in death by his sister Susan and his parents, Bud and Jane.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 31 2017 at 11:00am at the LDS chapel in Mapleton at 970 N 400 E. A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville and from 9:30-10:30 at the church Monday morning.