John Waggoner

John Leo Waggoner

Cedar City

John Leo Waggoner passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 5, 2015 in Cedar City Utah at the age of 75. The Waggoner family would like to sincerely thank all of those who cared for John during his stay at Valley View Medical Center, including Dr. Jason North, Dr. Jarid Gray, Dr. Joel Pittman and his team of nurses and respiratory therapists. We are especially grateful to nurse Marijeanne Carter for her loving care during Johns final hours. The Waggoners would also like to express their love and gratitude to Dr. Mel Carter for his many years of friendship, compassion and love as together they battled Johns long struggle with C.O.P.D.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marcia Anne Pierson Waggoner and their 5 children. John was born on December 20, 1939 in Clinton Iowa, son of William Beard Waggoner and Lucille Carrie Moore. During his childhood John resided in the Midwest with his parents and sister Margot. After WWII Johns family joined the many migrations to the West seeking employment and sunshine, finally residing in Whittier, California. In California he attended high school and college, where he met and married his sweetheart Marcia.

While raising their 5 children John enjoyed several careers in the fields of aerospace, computer technology, and the fashion retail business. While working in the aerospace industry and later for the Atomic Energy Commission, John earned the highest security clearances offered by the United States government.

John left behind an incredible legacy, including a successful family, a diverse library, a worldwide travel itinerary, and, to his families delight, a wealth of inspiring quotations. John followed his ABC's of life, which are A: Smile, B: Treat everyone as you would like to be treated, and C: Help family members with their tasks and burdens. Previous to his death, he wrote a few notable quotes, including, "I don't have everything I want, but I have all that I need," and "My life may not be perfect but I am BLESSED."

Johns family would especially like him to be remembered for his astounding intelligence, incredible understanding and the unconditional love he freely gave to others. He used his wisdom and wit to benefit everyone he loved. His creative business mind, hard work, and determination provided a beautiful life for his large family which they will carry forward in his remembrance. Barefoot and good natured, John always said he was meant to be an islander, and whether we are hard at work, or playing on the beach, we will fondly remember our loving husband, father, grandpa, and friend.

Preceded in death by his parents William and Lucille Waggoner, Joseph and Lois Pierson, and his granddaughter Jocee Ann Waggoner.

Survived by Wife Marcia Anne, Sister Margot and Gary Bachenberg, Brother in-law Ron and Laura Pierson, Children: Shara And Robert Beckstead, Elizabeth and Kirk Orton, John and Wendy Waggoner, Joseph and Kelly Waggoner, and Abbie and Jess Hansen. And twenty six grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 10, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the LDS 16th Ward Cedar View Building. 320 South 1925 West Cedar City. A Viewing will be held prior to the services on Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com.