Theodore Thaxton Jr.

September 6, 1937 - July 20, 2020

To view the service see link and passcode below: https://natic.zoom.us/j/2519732451?pwd=b2xVcmZ0L3hZSkN0RmQ5V2tReHhzZz09](https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fnatic.zoom.us%2Fj%2F2519732451%3Fpwd%3Db2xVcmZ0L3hZSkN0RmQ5V2tReHhzZz09&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0vuBQO1PZyrH-1Lzp1vjft) Passcode is 375535 Theodore James Thaxton Jr., age 82, died Monday evening, July 20, 2020, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born September 6, 1937 in Chandler, Arizona, to Theodore James Thaxton and Thelma Ann Armstrong. He graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City and then served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Western States. On June 21, 1961, he married Edythe Lorraine Cracroft in the Salt Lake City temple. He earned an engineering degree from the University of Utah and later a Master’s of Public Administration from BYU. He loved his career, working for UDOT and was the Orem City engineer, among other roles. He was very active, a life-long jogger, and loved playing racquetball, refereeing many sports leagues, and family night Mondays were often spent swimming with his kids. They raised seven children in Bountiful, Nibley, and Orem, Utah. As a devout member of his church, he served in many callings that shaped him into the man he was. In 2005, he lost his loving wife, Lorraine. Later that year he found happiness again and married Sharon Lynn Smith, on July 9, 2005 in the Mount Timpanogos temple. Together, they served a mission to the St. George historic sites mission and visited many temples throughout their travels. They loved to travel and visit family; one special trip being the tour they took throughout Jerusalem. Ted will be remembered for his infectious smile and his love for his “favorite” grandchildren, attending as many of their life events as possible. He was enthusiastic for meeting new people, was meticulous in his record keeping, had great passion for sports - mainly his BYU Cougars, and spent a great deal of time doing family history. His legacy will be his spiritual strength, powerful testimony, and always honoring his priesthood. Ted has been reunited with his wife, Lorraine, as well as his parents, his sister Virgene True, and Sharon’s daughter Rachel and grandson, Mitchell. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, Sharon, his seven children: Christopher (Lynda) Thaxton, Robert (Rebecca) Thaxton, Julianne (Scott) Elder, Glen (Chele) Thaxton, Melissa (Mike) Porter, Amy (Jason) Hales, and Susan Stewart; Sharon’s four children, Wendy (Scott) Hegstrom, Lisa (John) Dewitt, Brent (Lisa) Smith, and Amy (Doug) Burt, 42 combined grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Icare Healthcare & Hospice, especially Janee who became like family, and the many nurses and aides for their kindness, help and care. Friends are invited to celebrate Ted’s life at a Viewing on Sunday, July 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Utah Valley Mortuary, 1966 West 700 North, Lindon, Utah. A family funeral service will be held Monday, July 27th, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 650 East 3200 North, Lehi, Utah. Interment in the Orem City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, go with your family to enjoy the next BYU game… just don’t let him hear you cheering for the Utes. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary