John Eliot Casperson, Jr, (85), our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa unexpectedly passed away, after suffering a stroke, on Monday, December 12, 2022, surrounded by many loved ones.
He was born July 26, 1937, in Charlo, Montana to John Eliot and Theomae Hathaway and was the third of eight children.
He met the love of his life, Gayle Turner of Star Valley, Wyoming, at a high school dance. He loved to dance, especially the jitterbug. He and his brothers loved to box, and he also enjoyed playing High School football. Gayle and Eliot were married in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on November 5, 1954. Their union was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on May 24, 1957.
Gayle and Eliot lived and raised their children in Pleasant View, Utah for over 60 years. Eliot loved to serve people in every way possible. Some of his services included the City Council and Founder’s Day breakfast committee. Gayle and Eliot were the Pleasant View Grand Marshalls of the Founder’s Day Parade in June 2019.
They served full time missions in Carlsbad, California and Cove Fort, Utah. They also served in Ogden City as service missionaries and in the Ogden City Temple.
Dad loved people and food. He touched many lives through Eliot’s Market and Casper’s Day Care and food was always involved. From Dutch oven to hearty meals in the back of the store to breakfast anytime of the day – you never interacted with Dad without an offer of a meal or a Pepsi. He was innovative, creative, and passionate about everything he did. Dad was truly a jack of all trades.
He loved spending time with family and friends and was a consummate joker. He loved to travel with Gayle. Multiple fishing trips to Alaska were among his favorites. He enjoyed playing games, spending time with lifelong friends and everything BYU.
Gayle and Eliot recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
He was preceded in death by one son, Steven Charles, one granddaughter, Kristin Rose, four brothers, Eric, Glen, Arlin and Lee, and his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle, son John (Connie) of Vashon Island, Washington, daughter Terri (Rudy) of Pleasant View, Utah, son David (Bonnie) of Taylor, Utah, son, Michael (Liz) of Provo, Utah, and daughter Jill (Steve) of Avon, Utah, 40 grandkids, and 55 great grandkids.
We'd like to express appreciation to Shalee and Kelli from Everest Hospice and the staff at The Lodge and Maple Springs for their tender care of Dad.
Services will be Monday, December 19, 2022, at 11a.m., viewings will be Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and prior to services 9:40–10:40 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah.
John’s service will be livestreamed. To watch scroll to the bottom of his obituary www.myers-mortuary.com at the time of his service. If unable to watch at this time the service will be on the Myers website indefinitely.