John LaRay Beagley, “Grandpa Smarties,” our loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away April 18, 2019, at his home in Tooele, Utah, at the age of 87. He was born Nov. 19, 1931, to John William Beagley Jr. and Ada Smith Beagley. John married Shirley Atkinson on June 4, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple.
John graduated from Tooele High School in 1950 and continued his education at BYU. He was a true- blue BYU basketball and football sports fan. He attended many games with family and friends.When he was not able to attend anymore, he watched games with his closest nephew Jack McEachern.
John was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. His mission was the Southwest Indian Mission, where he was able to serve on horseback.
John served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was an active member of the VFW. John retired from the Tooele Army Depot as Deputy Director of CAMDS after many years of service.
John had a special love of horses, especially his cowing horse Hombre’ De Pepe. His office was in the saddle on the open range and he spent over 40 years serving at the church welfare ranch in Vernon.
John started a loving tradition with his grandkids: Every time they came to visit, he would take them in his Jeep to get donuts at Nigh Time Donuts. They loved that time with grandpa.
John is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Cheryl Caldwell; sons, Alan (Karen), Gary (Jessica); sister-in-law, Jennifer Beagley; nephew, Jack McEachern; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sisters, Shirley (Courtney) McEachern and June (Garn) Nielson; brothers, Orval-Billy (Marcella) Beagley and Jerry Beagley; and son-in-law, Greg Caldwell.
A visitation will be held Monday, April 29, 2019, from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., with a funeral following at 11 a.m., at the 14th Ward building, 180 S. Coleman St., Tooele, Utah. Interment will be in the Tooele City Cemetery.
Special thanks to Rocky Mountain Therapy, Robert and Travis; and Rocky Mountain Hospice, Jennifer, Morgan, and Tina.