Joseph Miner

Joseph Everett Miner, 80, lived a remarkable life and passed away peacefully Sunday November 5th, 2023 at his Washington City home surrounded by his family. Joseph was born July 18, 1943 in Bell, California to Raymond Paul Miner and Elma Irene Denslow Miner.
He was a rambunctious kid who pushed the limits: secretly clinging to the car bumper when Little Joe was told he couldn't go to Grandpa's, or carefully unwrapping and rewrapping Christmas gifts to find out what he got beforehand. He continued getting into mischief while attending West Covina High School in West Covina, CA until he joined the marines in 1961 where he served as Corporal, stationed on the USS Topeka with stays in: Hawaii, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. After the Marines, Joseph owned an appliance repair business, several rental units in the Los Angeles area, and became journeyman meat cutter. He was fascinated with the law and maintained a life-long zeal for his country and the pursuit of justice.
Joseph joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1970 and taught seminary to LDS youth from 1973 to 1976. It was at Church that Joseph met the great love of his life, Donna Marie LaRue. They both recognized a deep connection immediately and married three months later on Dec 28, 1974, when Joseph also adopted their first two daughters.
The small family moved to Cedar City, Utah in 1977, where Joseph worked at several meat shops in the area and the juvenile detention center as a guard. In 1982 the family business, Bulldog Meats, opened its doors and operated for 35 years. The family grew in a big way, adding eight children, and everyone worked together to maintain the family business. Joseph had a strong work ethic and expected the same, but he engaged in deep conversation and sharing stories so the time at "The Dog" was also fun and meaningful.
Joseph was diagnosed with liver disease in 2003 and received a transplant in January 2007. Since then, Joseph endured many health issues, always with the same faith in miracles, passion for life, and big smile on his face. Bulldog Meats closed its doors in 2017 and Joseph and Donna retired in Cedar City then Washington City. When healthy enough, Joseph and Donna saw the world together: Jerusalem, Cayman Islands, Peru, Washington DC, New England, and many others. Joseph's real joy was watching his children maintain strong relationships and all the grandchildren grow together in love.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 49 years, Donna Marie LaRue Miner, and their 11 children: Michelle Ellen Johnston (Mollie), Jean Cecilia Lewis (Glenn), Sandy Wheeler Olsen (Eric), Jason Everett Miner, Jacob Daniel Miner (Melinda), Desiree Irene Holbrook (Jeff), Anna Jolene Geddes (Luke), Danielle Marie Sorensen (JD), Jeremiah Ray Miner, Soleil Michelle Anderson (Trent), Sierra Elizabeth Howell (Devan).
He is survived by 30 grandchildren: Aleena Hinojosa (Harvey), Kevin Miner (Katie), Josephine Olsen, Jay Olsen, Savannah Miner, Ava Miner, Leah Miner, Alexa Miner, Isaac Miner (Hailee), Logan Miner, Olivia Miner, Kailey Rose Miner, Dallan Holbrook (Eliza), Lily Holbrook, Ruby Holbrook, Joseph Holbrook, Rockwell Holbrook, Will Geddes, Marley Geddes, Max Geddes, Damen Sorensen, Zac Sorensen, Penelope Sorensen, Everett Anderson, Ezra Anderson, Anna Anderson, Alva Anderson, Jack Howell, Ned Howell, and Walter Howell. He is survived by four great-grandchildren: Arious Hinojosa, Hudson and Elijah Miner, and Kylen Miner. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Miner Wundrow (Gary).
He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Paul Miner and Elma Irene Denslow Miner, and grandson Cameron Smith.
Joseph was a genuine and unique soul with a gift of storytelling and meeting people where they are. He impacted more people, more profoundly than he realized during his time here. A viewing will be held on Saturday Nov 18th from 9-10:30am at the Enoch Stake Center (3575 North Minersville Highway, Cedar City). Funeral services will be held Saturday Nov 18th at 11:00am at Enoch Stake Center (3575 North Minersville Highway, Cedar City). Interment will be at Cedar City Cemetery, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.mortuary.org.