Jack Soper

Jack Soper

Panguitch, Utah

Jack Soper, 81, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017, in Panguitch. Jack was born August 6, 1935 in Salt Lake City, to Elbert "Al" and Ora McInelly Soper.

Jack grew up in Richfield, where early on he developed an appetite for agriculture and livestock. He earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education from Utah State University. This led him to pursue a career in teaching, along with working as a county extension agent for Utah State University. He taught shop and vocational agriculture at Panguitch High School for 30 years and was a student favorite, leaving a lasting impression with his commitment to his students and his well-known "get-along-step." As an extension agent, he established and implemented programs to assist communities and families with issues relating to agriculture and the environment. He also developed and ran the 4-H program for youth in different communities. Jack received numerous awards and recognition for his efforts and dedication.

Growing up, Jack enjoyed being active and gravitated at a young age towards baseball. He played baseball through high school and then at the collegiate level, playing for the College of Southern Utah (CSU). He later coached baseball at Panguitch High School. Aside from his family, Jack’s lifelong passion was spending time in the outdoors: hunting, fishing, riding horses, and camping. He especially enjoyed the time he spent in Alaska, spending numerous summers as a camp host with MarLynn and taking multiple fishing trips with friends and family.

Jack met the love of his life, MarLynn Luke, at a class dance while attending CSU. They dated for 5 months and, after a 6-month engagement, were married in the Manti LDS Temple on November 24, 1954. Jack and MarLynn built a life and legacy of family together. Jack considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment. He was constantly teaching, building cabinets and shelves, and helping complete project for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jack was a perfect example of the adage, "love your neighbor," serving all in need with special consideration for widows and widowers. He most recently served as the ward greeter and each week looked forward to welcoming people to church with a hug and a smile.

Jack is survived by his wife, MarLynn; children: Kim (Wendy) Soper, Jackie (Russell) Bulkley, Kris (Lisa ) Soper, and Korry (Karen) Soper; sister, Jean Nielson; and sister-in-law, Donna Soper; 16 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Soper, and brother-in-law, Charles Nielson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 12:00 Noon in the Panguitch LDS Stake Center, 550 South 100 West. Friends may call at the stake center in Panguitch on Friday from 6-8 p.m. or on Saturday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Panguitch Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com