John Lewis Davies Jr.

John Lewis Davies Jr. passed away on February 11, 2010 in Highland, Utah at the home of his daughter Sandra Lucas. He was born February 3, 1926 in Huntsville, Utah to John Lewis Davies Sr. & Emma Veneta Nielson. He was the oldest of 9 children. He moved with his family to Hillspring Canada in 1930 where he attended school and graduated in 1944. He excelled in basketball and track. He held the record in the 400 meter for many years. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1945. He later joined the 11th Airborne and was the first in his family to fly in a plane. John returned to Utah County in 1946 and started working at Geneva Steel where he was employed until his retirement. He met Lila Margene Brailsford and they were married November 15, 1948 and later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They settled and lived most of their lives in Mapleton, Utah. They had 16 children. John was active in the LDS church where he served with the youth, served in two Bishoprics and served as High Priest group leader. He also served for many years at the Provo Temple. John loved horses, hunting, the outdoors and spending time with his family. He instilled the importance of hard work in all of his children.



He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, two grandchildren and his dear wife of 48 years. He is survived by all 16 of his children: Kathy Davies, Provo, Sandra (Max) Lucas, Highland, Lila (Larry) Cotten, LaVerkin, Anne (Gerry) Frederick, Orangeville, John (Cheryl), Mapleton, Joan (Cliff) Ewell, Lehi, Larry (Meg), Syracuse, Robert (Gayle), Spanish Fork, Ellen (Bill) Thompson, Cokeville, WY, Laurel Perez, Pleasant Grove, Pat (Paul) Huntsman, Spanish Fork, Bert (Korena), Goshen, LaDawn (Mark) Miller, Springville, Marcie (Mike) Maloy, Phoenix, AZ, Jayne (Todd) Sudweeks, Saratoga Springs, Jim (Jody), Springville; 3 Brothers, 2 Sisters: Keith of, Alpine, Pete of, Spanish Fork, David Leroy of Kaysville, Valene Stanard of Provo and Veneta Jenkins of Twin Falls ID. He is also survived by 53 Grandchildren and 51 Great Grandchildren.



Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Mapleton White Church, 31 West Maple, Mapleton. Viewings will be held Monday evening February 15th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, UT and on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment at Springville Evergreen Cemetery.