John Burton Winters passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, on Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice, in West Valley City, Utah. He left behind a legacy of love, resilience and deep devotion to his family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

John was born on August 7, 1940 in Afton, Wyoming to Erastus Francis and Margaret Burton Winters. He was blessed to have 4 older siblings: Burton, Allene, Kathy and Evan and 4 younger siblings: Bruce, Mary, Ann and Wayne and also a little sister that died at birth. His parents, Burton, Allene and Evan preceded him in death.

He excelled in school and loved gardening, the outdoors, projects

around the house and playing his string bass for 60+ years. John was

well known and loved by his students during his 40 years of teaching

Physics and Astronomy and for his dedicated church service. He served as a Bishop, Stake Clerk and Executive Secretary, Primary teacher, Sunday School President and 5 years as a Scout Master, but his favorite calling was serving in the Nursery.

John attended Brigham Young University for 2 years before serving a 2 ½ year mission in Samoa. The year after his return home, he met his future wife, Gaylene Kress. They loved music, singing and dancing throughout most of their almost 61 years of marriage. They were blessed with 9 children: Martell, Jerry, Mindy, Curtis, Jeana, Scott, Anthony and Kevin, plus a bonus daughter: Jeanette. They now have 51 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren & 2 more on the way!

After he and his wife retired, they served 3 volunteer Church missions

in Germany, Singapore/Malaysia and the Philippines. After 48 years of living in Glendale, AZ they moved to West Valley City. They taught

Primary children for 1 year then served 2 more missions, first in the

Salt Lake City West Mission then 2 years as Pathway missionaries.

John is survived by his wife and all 9 of their children, 49 of their grandchildren and all 27 great grandchildren. They were blessed to be a close-knit family that loved spending time together.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 with a 9 AM viewing and 10 AM Funeral Service at 2811 S. 6400 W. West Valley City, UT. The graveside dedication will be held at the Rockland Idaho Valley View Cemetery at 4:30 PM.

The link for the service is: https://www.youtube.com/live/Oi4o0OSsbwg?feature=shared