John Franklin Vallentine

John Franklin Vallentine (PaPa), 86, of Mapleton Utah passed away at home on April 25, 2018 surrounded by family. He was born August 1,1931 to John Fillmore Vallentine and Venna Eletha Irene Wilson in Lexington Twp., Clark County, Kansas. He married Bonnie Blanche Clawson August 10,1950 in Ashland Kansas. They were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on December 16,1952. She proceeded him in death on December 4, 2004. He later married Martha Vickers September 16, 2006. She preceded him in death February 21, 2016. He married Silvana Amantia December 3, 2016.

John served as a lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean War. John earned his B.S. Degree from Kansas State College in 1952, his M.S. degree from Utah State University in 1953, and his PhD in range science from Texas A&M in 1959. He was an assistant professor at Utah State University. He was on the faculty as an associate professor of the University of Nebraska. He taught as a professor at BYU in ranch management and botany; retiring in 1993. He wrote seven university level text books, fifteen major family history books, and many Kansas history books. He was honored as the 2012 Cowboy Historian for the state of Kansas. John also enjoyed a second career as a U.S. professional genealogist. He served as a director of the Utah Genealogical Assoc. for six years.

In his college days, John competed in the rodeo as a saddle bronc rider and roper. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing tennis, camping and vacationing in Disneyland. John joined the LDS church February 23,1952. He was an active member and served in many callings.

John is survived by his wife Silvana and his three children: Dixie Lee (Mike) Davis of Springville; Cindy Grace (Rich) Richins of Springville and John Michael (Jeanne Harmer) Vallentine of South Jordan. He has ten grand-children and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 30, 2018 at 11 am in the Mapleton North 18th Ward located at 1215 North 1000 West in Mapleton. Friends and Family may call Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South in Springville or Monday at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.