1927-1999
SYRACUSE–Irben John Thayne, age 72, passed away at his home in Syracuse, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, following a short struggle with cancer.
He was born August 7, 1927 in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, son of Nephi Whork and Orissa Allred Thayne. He was raised in the “Mormon Colonies” of Mexico; in the Farmington, New Mexico area; and in northern Davis County, Utah. As a Marine, John served his country in China during World War II, and again in Korea during the Korean conflict.
A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a High Priest, he served in many leadership positions, including counselor and Bishop In the Syracuse 3rd Ward, Elders Quorum President, Stake Mission President, High Councilor, and a sealer in the Ogden LDS Temple at the time of his death. John served three missions with his wife, LaVell: two in the Chicago Illinois Temple and one In the Texas McAllen Mission.
John also served his community – unofficially as an advocate and helper for the betterment of a small community – donating labor, materials, and advise; and officially as a member of the Syracuse City Council and mayoral candidate.
John was an excavation contractor by trade, operating large equipment for many years, including his own business, Thayne Construction Co.
He married LaVell Smedley, January 11, 1950 in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple.
John is survived by his wife, LaVell, Syracuse; and eight children: Judy LaVell (Ben) Call, Twin Falls, Idaho; Linda (Laine) Steel, Twin Falls, Idaho; Michael John (Cindy) Thayne, Phoenix, Arizona; Connie (Craig) Sedgwick, Syracuse; Sidney Clair (Vicki) Thayne, Tremonton; Mark Smedley (Marylynne) Thayne, West Point; Glenna (Bruce) Grow, Kaysville; and Deanna (Brian) Jensen, Pleasant Grove; 42 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one half-sister, four sisters, and four brothers: Willa Wagner, Beth (Eddy) Ames, Rey (Mona) Thayne, Elna Ready, Lela (Joe) Graves, [Twin] Orville (Freda) Thayne, Dorthy Bodily, Lloyd (Marlene) Thayne, and Darrel (Vicki) Thayne. Preceding him in death are his parents, one half-sister, two half-brothers, two brothers, and one sister: Beatrice, Willard, Emerald, Melvin, Venone, and Verda.
Funeral services will be Monday, December 20, 1999 at 11 a.m. in the Syracuse Bluff Road Chapel, 2500 South Bluff Road, with Bishop Merlin Fowler, Syracuse 2nd Ward, officiating. Friends and family may call Sunday, December 19, 1999 from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton, and prior to the services on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Bluff Road Chapel. Interment will be in the Syracuse City Cemetery.