John Okey Jr

John Edwin Okey, Jr. passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 30, 2014 as his noble heart gave way. Born August 3, 1936 in Provo, Utah to John Edwin Okey Sr. and Berdie Leila Chase. John came of age in the 50s. As befitting his era, John loved hot rod cars, sports and socializing. John, his brother Bob and their friends would ride their bikes all over Utah County to hike the Y or fish and swim in Salem pond. One of his favorite treats was to visit Cook's Ice Cream, buy his favorite flavor, and sit under the large shade trees out front with a spoon and polish off the whole quart of ice cream.

John graduated from Provo High and then served in the Utah National Guard, attended college and, most importantly met and dated a beautiful young counter girl from Cook's Ice Cream - Kaaren Cook - who would become the love of his life. John and Kaaren were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 29, 1962. They settled in the Edgemont neighborhood of Provo and raised five daughters and three sons. The children were the center of his life. John would lead the way in motorbike adventures, Lake Powell trips, Scofield sleepovers, smuggled Wyoming fireworks, floating and swimming outings, burger runs, service projects and backyard grilling (Extra Well Done)... .all with John Denver playing in the background.

John loved life, but he loved his family even more. Every grandchild had their own special nickname and each was sure they were his favorite. Going anywhere in Provo with John was sure to take much longer than normal because the whole town knew, and loved him. "Hey kid!" was his constant greeting. His children felt adored by their father and will be forever blessed by his sweet disposition and Christlike unconditional love.

In their later years John and Kaaren served a mission for the LDS Church in St. George Utah where thousands of visitors to the temple and church historic sites were welcomed by his warm smile and always-dapper attire. John embarked on a special mission the last decade of his life as he devoted his whole soul to the companionship and care of his beloved Kaaren. Those who knew John saw him happily give his last full measure of devotion to his sweet bride in the face of her infirmity. William Shakespeare's description of Marc Antony best-describes John Okey: "His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, "This was a man!"". We love you John.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bob Okey. He is survived by a loving family: His sister Jackie Okey Mortensen, his wife Kaaren Cook Okey and his children Stefanie (Mark) Cusick, Richard (Terri) Okey, Melanie (Kevin) Paxton, Suzette (Dirk) Astle, Rochelle (Dennis) O'Brien, Marisha (Michael) Akin, Tyler (Jamie) Okey and Brandon "Baby Buzzy" (Jana) Okey. Grandpa will be especially missed by his 29 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday July 5th at noon at the Windsor 6th Ward Chapel, 60 E 1600 N Orem, 84097. A viewing prior to services will be held from 9:30-11:45am Saturday morning.