Cleon John

Cleon Leroy John Cleon Leroy John passed away on December 19, 2018 at his home. Cleon, or "Dyke" as he was better known by his friends and family, was born in Portage, Utah, to William Arthur and Grace John on February 16, 1928. In the home he was taught gospel principles and baptized when he was eight years old. He attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was ordained a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Dyke grew up in Portage and attended Portage Public school through the eighth grade. He was always a hard worker and worked for various farmers during his pre-teen and early teen years. He also worked as a "camp jack" tending horses, cooking and maintaining camp for a sheep outfit. In the fall and winter months he worked a few years in the sugar factory in Garland. In May of 1946, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic training in Louisiana, he was sent to Japan as part of the occupying force following World War II. He was honorably discharged after about a year and a half in the army. After coming home, he worked at various jobs, such as: shoveling snow to clear the railroad tracks at Soldier Summit, as a jackhammer operator during construction of the Palisades dam on the Snake River in Idaho and as a lumber jack cutting timber. Finally he settled into construction work as a cement finisher. In addition to his regular work, he was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in pouring and finishing cement whether it was a sidewalk, garage or basement floor or whatever. He was good at what he did, and knew how to mix, pour and finish cement that wouldn't crack. Dyke loved to have a dog, almost always a hunting dog, and he was an excellent dog trainer. His method was to use patience, kindliness and gentleness with them. Through all the years that he was able, Dyke loved to hunt deer and pheasants and he rarely missed a year that he didn't' get his deer. He was also an ardent fisherman, and many days were spent in these pursuits with his brothers and friends. When Dyke made a friend, he was a friend for life. Dyke was preceded in death by his parents, by four sisters: Madge Hull (Bus), Emma Gibbs (Roy), Nona Cheney (Mack), Virginia Bowles (Jack), and by four brothers: Arthur Fal (Bonnie), Kay, Ronald and a third unnamed infant brother. He is survived by one brother, Rodney Trent (Virginia), and by many loving nephews and nieces. A graveside service will be held on December 27, 2018 at 1:00pm at the Portage Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. The family requests no flower be sent. Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com.