Joe Lynn Spencer passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at the age of 86. He was a devoted husband, father of 9, grandfather of 38, and great-grandfather of 65. His life was defined by love, service and unwavering dedication to his family and faith — a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Born in Payson, Utah, on February 1, 1939, to Arlyn Spencer and Violet Josephine West Spencer. He was the oldest of five children. He loved his two brothers and two sisters dearly. In his youth, he loved being with his family, hunting and fishing. He learned the value of hard work by working side by side with his father and his brother, Mont, hauling and delivering coal. This was something he fondly remembered in his later years.

Joe Lynn was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He also developed his talents in music, both singing and mastering the trumpet. He graduated from Payson High School in 1957 where he participated in marching band and captured leading roles in high school productions. It was at this time he also met his best friend and sweetheart, Nona LeBaron, a beautiful farm girl from Genola, Utah.

Joe Lynn served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission, which proved to make a dramatic impact on his life-long focus of service and seeking after those in need. Upon his return, he and Nona were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 15, 1961.

He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University and spent 35 years as an elementary school educator and administrator. As a teacher and principal, he touched countless lives while working at Taylor, Peteetneet, Barnett, and Wilson Elementary Schools in Payson, Utah.

Joe Lynn was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He devoted his life to serving others, serving in numerous callings including Scoutmaster, Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, Stake Presidency Counselor, and Stake President. He also served in the Provo and Payson Temples for 19 years, the last 10 of which he served as a Sealer, a role he cherished deeply.

Even with demanding professional and church service schedules, Dad and Mom always made time to be at their children’s activities. They were our greatest supporters and cheerleaders. They intentionally created opportunities to gather the family together. Holiday celebrations, birthdays, and Sunday-evening get-togethers created priceless memories.

Joe Lynn was a man of many talents and interests; he was a master gardener and an avid reader. He seldom missed a BYU ball game and never turned down a fishing trip or a serving of cake & ice cream. He knew how to work hard and taught his children to do the same.

He is survived by his wife; and his children: Jona (Mitch) Lau, Julie (Coy) Blanchard, Jill (Nate) Killian, J. Lynn (Angela) Spencer, Jeff (Stephanie) Spencer, Janece (Justin) Beddoes, Jerald (Kathi) Spencer, Jayna (Dan) Turner and James (Jami) Spencer. He is also survived by his brother, Mont (Sandra) Spencer; and his sisters: Jean (Roger) Holt and Joyce (Wayne) Childs; sister-in-law, Rene’ Spencer Draper, as well as an extraordinary posterity. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Brad Spencer; and two grandsons, Jarid Spencer and Jordon Spencer.

Joe Lynn’s life was marked by faith and service. Those who love him will carry his influence forward for generations, and he will be greatly missed. So much of Joe Lynn’s success came from the steadfast support of his best friend and eternal companion. Thank you, Mom, for your pure, Christlike love in creating a heavenly home for your children. Your consecration, love, service, and Christlike care for Dad has been a living example of a true ministering angel on earth. Thank you to all the nurses and staff at The Legacy House and CNS Hospice Care who so kindly and professionally provided care to our dad these past few months.

Funeral services will be Saturday morning, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 711 South 600 East, Payson, Utah. Visitations will be Friday evening, December 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the church; as well as on Saturday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

The funeral service will be streamed live. Please return to Joe's memorial page shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and click the link below.

Joe Lynn Spencer Funeral Service