John Okelberry

Hazelton- John Henry Okelberry, 89, of Hazelton, Idaho, passed away Tuesday October 18, 2016, at his home.

He was born July 11, 1927, in Twin Falls, Idaho, the son of Leonard Okelberry and Amy Belcher. He grew up and attended school in Murtaugh where he graduated.

He married his sweetheart, Beverly Olsen, in December of 1945, in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized in March of 1951 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. John helped his father at the blacksmith and repair shop in Murtaugh. In 1953,  John and his father Leonard homesteaded and cleared land south of Hazelton. They began drilling wells,  found water and were successful in growing crops. John moved his family to Hazelton in 1964 where he and Beverly currently reside. In 1996 they served a one year couples mission to the Orlando, Florida LDS Temple. Some of his callings in the LDS church include Bishop, High Councilor, Deacon President, Teacher Advisor, Bishop councilor and temple worker.

John is survived by his wife of 70 years, Beverly; His children, Leon (Betty) Bailey  of Paul, Alan (Cheryl K.) of Twin Falls, Mark (Cheryl) of Hazelton, and Patsy (Doug) Barnes of Topeka, KS. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Isaacs of Twin Falls. John has 23 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Harley, Jerry and Paul; and one grandson, Nathan.

A visitation will be held this evening, Friday October 21, 2016, at the Hazelton LDS Church, 531 Middleton Ave, Hazelton, where family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday October 22, 2016, also at the Hazelton LDS Chapel, with Bishop Ray Moon officiating. A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Hazelton Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary of Jerome.