John Elmo Heap

U.S. Veteran John Elmo Heap peacefully left this earth on Wednesday morning, June 7, 2006. Elmo was born in Spry, Utah on November 12, 1923, to James LeRoy and Rowena Perkins Heap. He married his sweetheart, Dorothy Houston, in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 10, 1941. Elmo grew up on a ranch in Spry Utah and attended school in Panguitch, where he was active in High School sports.

After their marriage, Elmo and Dorothy moved to Cedar City. Shortly afterward, Elmo was called to service in the Army and served in Germany until his discharge in 1944. Elmo was a cattleman and farmer his entire life. He liked nothing better than working on this farm in Cedar City, or checking the cattle at his ranch in Spry. He retired from the Utah Department of Transportation in 1985. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings. He was active in his community as a long-time member of the Lion's Club, and a supporter of Southern Utah University athletics.

Patient, kind, and honest are words that described Elmo. There was never a better father, grandpa, or great grandpa. He loved being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and every one of them has stories to tell of his gifts of money, attention, and especially, his time.

Elmo is survived by his wife, Dorothy, a son, James Russell (Arlene) of Cedar City, his sister, Charlotte Jordon, of Henderson, Nevada, and sister-in-law, Evelyn Whatcott, of Richfield, Utah. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren – Stefanie (Gary) Holyoak, Leslie (Neil) Orton, Coby Matheson, Abby (Kennan) Imlay, John Christian (Casey) Heap, Laurel (Nick) Glidden, and Lindsey Heap, as well as 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Elmo was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jaqueline Matheson, son-in-law Don A. Matheson, and brothers Van, Garth, Dan, and Max.

Funeral services are planned for Saturday, June 10th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cedar City 2nd/8th Ward Chapel. Viewings are scheduled for Friday, June 9th, at Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 No. 300 West, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday at the 2nd/8th Ward Chapel from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Cedar City cemetery.

Created by: Diane Heap

Record added: Apr 13, 2009

Find A Grave Memorial # 35849861