(April 3, 1941 – April 18, 2014)
John Parkinson Lister passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 18, 2014. John was born on April 3, 1941 in Cedar City, Utah to John R. and Annabelle Lister. He was the oldest of six brothers.
Growing up on a farm, John learned the value of hard work which served him well for his entire life. He graduated from Parowan High School in 1959. While in high school, he enjoyed playing football, wrestling, and being a member of the FFA club.
John had a passion and a great talent for carpentry; he was well-known for his beautiful woodwork. John’s favorite construction job was working on the remodeling of the St. George temple. John was employed as a mechanical custodian through the LDS church for 21 years.
While working in St. George, John met the love of his life and eternal companion, Irene Hansen. They were married for time and all eternity in the St. George temple on April 20, 1963. The couple settled in Washington, Utah in 1965 where they have lived ever since in the house that John built. John and Irene lovingly raised their six children by example in a gospel centered home.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John served faithfully in many church callings including the high council, stake missionary, bishopric, and scouts. His favorite calling was that of a home teacher where he blessed the lives of all whom he served.
John had a strong testimony of his savior. He spent his life in the service of others and made friends wherever he went. A strong-willed and courageous individual, John valiantly overcame many struggles in his life. He was a true example of strength and he will be greatly missed.
John is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Allan, his daughter Lisa, and his daughter Jacklyn. He is survived by his eternal companion Irene; his children Lori (Kenneth) Ivey, Susie (Kent) Cooper, Sherrie (Paul) Moss, Tony (Leah) Lister; sixteen grandchildren; his brothers Larry (Linda) Lister, Ken (Terri) Lister, Ralph (Donna) Lister, Kay (Shirley) Lister; and his sister-in-law, Dixie Lister.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 26, 2014 at the Washington LDS Stake Center located at 446 East Mangum Street in Washington at 11 a.m.
- There will be a viewing prior to the services that morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. There will be an additional viewing held on Friday April 25, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary located at 110 South Bluff Street in St. George.
- Interment will take place in the Washington City Cemetery.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign John’s guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.