John Carl Tuft

    John Carl Tuft, Washington, Utah, age 92, was born in Monroe, Utah, to Leonard and Bernice Shurtz Tuft on March 31, 1930.  He died peacefully in his sleep December 9, 2022 in Washington, Utah.  He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. 
    He was much loved in his community.  John Carl earned his Doctorate in Psychology from Utah State University.  He worked for the Sevier School District for 34 years as a teacher, principal, counselor, coach and superintendent.  He was also very involved with the Indian Placement Program, and he was active in the Lions and Rotary clubs.  In 1992 he was presented with a Southern Utah Honor Medallion for his contributions to his community and to the state of Utah, of which he was very proud.    
    John Carl was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in many callings, including bishop and in two bishoprics. 
    He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954, stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War.  His assignment was to entertain the troops playing basketball, tennis and badminton. That was where he also met his wife-to-be, Doris Marie Porth.  They were married in June 1954 and adopted two daughters, Carlene and Christene.  They were later divorced.  John Carl married Melody Cope Ackerman in December 1997.  They would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on December 30th.  Their marriage was solemnized in the Cedar City Temple in July 2021. 
    He is survived by his loving wife, Melody; daughters, Carlene and Christene; step-children, Bryan Ackerman, Brett (Tara) Ackerman, Kristi (Wade) Fautin, Kami (Troy) Madsen, Kaprece (Shannon) Staples and Kassi (Travis) Gray; 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Bernice; brother, Don; sisters: Helen Webster and Arlene Lawrence. 
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Coral Canyon 1st Ward, 1950 N. Coral Canyon Blvd., Washington, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, December 16, at the ward chapel from 6:00-7:00 p.m. with another viewing Saturday, December 17, from 8:30-9:30 a.m.   Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.  Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com below John’s obituary.    The family would also like to extend our thanks to Ovation Assisted Living and Applegate Hospice for their loving care and kindness.