John Russell Lawley

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John Russell Lawley, 68, passed away peacefully in his home in Logan, Utah on April 1st, 2026.

John was born July 26, 1957, in Moab Utah to Jack and Bethale, the third of seven children. His childhood in Moab was carefree, fishing, hunting and roaming the LaSal Mountains. He was always kind and tried to include everyone, a trait he carried with him throughout his life.

While not real fond of school from an early age, he discovered a way to go up to the cave close to his home, spending the day in his own extracurricular activities, returning home at the appropriate time.

In High School, he did well enough, maybe having done little better if not for some extra time in small-town mischief. He played football and basketball, also playing the trumpet in the band, and graduated from Grand County High School in 1976. He then moved up to SLC and lived with his brother Rick, attending Salt Lake Community College, completing training as a machinist. He then returned to Moab, where he met and married Tammie Crowe in February of 1978. They had two children, Russ and TeCara. There he worked for Rio Algom in maintenance and machining, then later worked for the Moab Salt Company. He had an accident there that later lead to a change in the trajectory of his life. He worked for Ferrell Gas after that, deciding to return to school and pursue a teaching degree at Utah State University’s Moab Extension.

One Sunday in the Moab 1st Ward, John saw a young lady who piqued his interest, but apparently saw a ring on her wedding finger, moving on thinking she was married. Later in school at USU Extension, he again saw Anne Bigler in Psychology class, where he got to know her, and they were quickly inseparable. John and Anne were married on June 19, 1993, where he gained two daughters, Amelia and Analise. They also had a son together, Neil Joseph on September 6th, who lived one precious day. They spent the next 4 years in Moab. John and Anne were later sealed in the Manti Temple on August 10, 1996, and worked and continued their studies, later moving up to Logan, Utah so John could finish his studies in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Soils. This is where John earned his self-proclaimed title of “Dirt Nerd”.

John worked for Utah State University for over 25 years, teaching labs in the Soils lab, researching, and was Coach of the Soils Competition Team. His teams had several top 10 finishes in National competitions.

John would travel all over the US pulling soil and water samples to use in the labs for teaching. Any trip that could turn into a research trip, he certainly would try.

John continued his love for outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing through the years with friends, siblings, Russ and grandkids, and was an avid gardener.

He loved to cook Dutch Oven and took care of his Dutch ovens like a machinist’s tools. He volunteered for the Bear 100 race at a rest station, setting up tents, beds and first aid kits for racers and cooking a delicious high-calorie meal for them. He made the best homemade root beer and shared that with many at church camps, family reunions and other group gatherings.

He was a talented wood worker, meticulous and sure. Many projects were made with love, sweat and care through the years, all built to last and beautifully crafted.

John was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had great faith, loved his Savior, and showed it in how he actively tried to serve all in any way he could. No matter his calling in the church, he loved the work and gave his all. He was of quiet faith, sure and steady in his conviction. He was always available to extend God’s power to others through Priesthood blessings.

John had a great love for family. It was his treasure in life. He maintained close relationships with his six siblings. Anne, his children and especially his grandchildren were his focus. Serving, calling, visiting, hosting family parties and meals, he was there to help always without judgement.

He never met a stranger, always spoke to those around him. John was a big Teddy bear. His booming voice and large laugh were contagious, yet he really was a calm, soft-hearted man who cared so much about others’ needs. He was always on time and often said “better to be two hours early than a minute late”.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Bethale Lawley, brother-in-law Richard Chadwick, and son Neil Joseph. He is survived by his wife Anne, children Amelia Bigler, John Russell Jr (Eryn) Lawley, Analise (Trevor) Cranney, and TeCara Lawley, his fifteen grandchildren: Jordan, Alysia and Cheyanne Olsen; Lucy and Cora Lawley; Amelia, Grace, Noah and Luke Snider; Ivy, Oliver, Tristen, Baker and Zander Cranney; and Jasper Lawley, and siblings Rick (Kathy) Lawley, Kathy (Brad) Milne, Dave (Rhonda) Lawley, Doug Lawley, Gary (Debbie) Lawley, Maureen Chadwick, and father-in-law Craig Bigler.

Services will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 at the Logan 15th Ward, 125 W. 600 N., Logan. There will be a visitation at 9:30 AM followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.