J. Whorton Allen

John Whorton Allen returned to his heavenly home on October 24, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born September 30, 1930 to John Earl Allen and Beulah Crosby Allen in Panguitch, Utah and was the youngest of six children. Growing up, Whorton enjoyed music, all things outdoors, and learned the value of hard work on the family farm. During WWII, at the age of 11, Whorton and his 13-year-old brother George ran the family farm while their older brothers provided military service. He graduated from Dixie College in 1950, where he enjoyed football, band, and served on the Student Council as Commissioner of Amusements.

He served a two-year mission (1950-1952) in the Hawaiian Islands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a missionary, he developed a deep and enduring love for the Polynesian people and culture.

He continued his education at Brigham Young University, where he studied Education, met and married the love of his life Orel Kay Lee (June 17, 1953), and together they welcomed their first child Randal. Following a two-year stint in the US Navy based out of Norfolk, VA, Whorton taught public school in Panguitch, UT, completed a doctorate (EdD) in Psychology at Utah State University (USU), and Whorton and Orel Kay welcomed three more children (Karen, Weston, and Brenda) to the family. As a professor at USU, Whorton taught psychology classes, served as the director of the Counseling Center, and mastered the art of the lunch-time power nap. Once-a-farmer-always-a-farmer, he spent many mornings moving sprinkler pipe and many an evening cutting and bailing alfalfa… just for fun!

Following retirement, Whorton and Orel Kay taught English at a girls’ school in Japan, served 13 years in the Logan LDS Temple (Whorton as a sealer), and enjoyed travel and family. Whorton and Orel Kay Allen were married for over 72 years.

Whorton was bigger than the sum of his accomplishments, much bigger. Whorton was naturally kind, gentle, accepting, and loving. A grandson-in-law shared “He was an amazing father and one of the kindest, loving persons I’ve had the honor of knowing. His warm, kind presence will be deeply missed.”

Whorton is survived by his loving wife Orel Kay Lee Allen; dear sister-in-law Colleen; children Randal (Natalie), Karen (Kenneth Jewkes), Weston (Cara), and Brenda (Blake Tullis);18 grandchildren; and 33 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Sam (Lorraine), twins Clem and Cleo (Konroy Henrie), Rowa (James Lee), George (Sheila), son-in-law James (Jim) Siler, and daughter-in-law Venice Paul Allen. 

A public viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 am, Nov. 1, 2025 at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan (420 E 1800 N), followed by a graveside service at 12:30 pm at the North Logan Memorial Park (2075 E 2500 N) or Allen Mortuary in case of inclement weather.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.