John Wilson Obituary

On June 19th, 2025 from his home in Parowan, John W Wilson saddled up and rode on. Wearing
his good hat with the horsehair band, and I'm sure, on his good horse JC Boomer.
He was 92.
John was born to Daisy S and John W Wilson on April 28th, 1933 in Long Beach California. He
graduated Jordan High School and joined the Air force in March of 1951 at the age of 17. He flew 26
combat missions as a top gunner in a B-29 over Korea. When the B-29's were retired John returned
stateside to Owyhee County where he and his cousin Matt bought a small ranch. (It was always his
desire to live where there were more cattle, horses and probably sage brush, then people. From the
beginning to the end some of his truest love was for the horse and the open range) John was a cowboy,
a horseman, a true western man. He embodied those western values of individualism, self-reliance,
kindness and responsibility. He once said service is a privilege. An opportunity to pay back just some
of the debt you owe – your country, and the people who came before you.
On a trip home to Long Beach John met and fell in love with a Parowan girl, Maylo. M Miller.
They were married in 1957 and spent 42 wonderful years together before she passed away from cancer.
Education, learning and teaching were a huge part of John's life. He graduated with a master's degree
in psychology from Utah State, a master's in business administration from UCLA and completed all but
his dissertation towards his doctorate in psychology from USC. He taught elementary, high school and
college level classes in special education, typing, Spanish, and psychology and ended his career back at
PHS as a counselor where his commitment to the individual and the community merged in helping so
many kids make it through high school and find their way along the educational pathway.
Through the years John was an active member of the Red Hill Wranglers, the Lions Club, Little
Salt Lake Club, and was an adjutant and then assistant adjutant of the local American Legion. He was
Parowan's Citizen of the Year in 2021.
After retiring, John spent his time with a small farm, his horses and cats, and riding the hills with
his daughter. He was extremely fortunate to meet and develop a wonderful relationship with Beth
Whitney.
John leaves behind his love Beth Whitney, his daughters: Mona Jager (Steve), Leilani Wilson
(Dave), his daughter in law Pam Miller. Four Grandchildren: Kellydawn Zollinger, Wendy Miller,
Stephanie Ellerbeck, and Todd Jager. Seven great grandchildren: Tailor Hand, Tanner Zollinger, Tatum
Zollinger, Chase Ellerbeck, Addielee Ellerbeck, Angelina Rascon and Johnathon Jager. One great
granddaughter Amelia Hand. And many beloved nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maylo, his son Gregory, parents Daisy and John,
brothers Lynn and Bob and his sister Katy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19th, 2025. Details to follow. Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be shared at www.mortuary.org.