John Clinger

1930 - 2016

John William Clinger, 86, of Shelley, Idaho, passed peacefully from this life Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.

He was born July 6, 1930, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Albert William Clinger and Eva Lucas Clinger. He was the oldest of three sons and attended schools in Rexburg and Shelley and graduated from Shelley High School.

He served an LDS mission to the Texas Louisiana Mission.

On Dec. 12, 1952, he married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Arlene Hanson, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were the parents of six children: Steven, Neal, Jaylene, David, Ann and Mark. Arlene passed away suddenly in 1995.

John received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Utah State University. He taught biology, math, electronics and computers at Shelley High School for 29 years and retired in 1989. He was selected as Idaho's Outstanding Educator in 1963.

John served in the United States Army Signal Corp during the Korean War.

He farmed in the Shelley area with his father, Albert, and brother, Garth.

He married Shirley Clements in February 1998. Together, they served an LDS mission to the Canada Winnipeg Mission.

John was active in The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. The two most important things in his life were his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Steven and Kathy Clinger of Shelley, Neal and Carol Ann Clinger of Idaho Falls, David and Linda Clinger of Idaho Falls, Ann and John Rasmussen of Draper, Utah, and Mark and Tiffani Clinger of Meridian, Idaho; 23 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Garth, and LaRae Clinger of Shelley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; daughter, Jaylene Olsen; brother, Lee Clinger; and grandchildren, Michael Olsen, Benjamin Clinger, Emily Clinger and Matthew Clinger.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Shelley 10th Ward Chapel, 1555 N. 700 E., with Bishop Brian Bush conducting. The family will meet with friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by David B. Bleak Post 93 assisted by the Idaho Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

Per John's wishes, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Mission Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nalderfuneralhome.com.