John Franklin Conley, Jr. (Birth – December 3, 1886)

John Franklin Conley, Jr., 100, life-time resident of Portage, died Saturday, March 7, 1987, in a Clearfield nursing home of causes incident to age.

He was born Dec. 3, 1886, in Portage, to John Franklin and Eveline Harris Conley.

He married Sarah M. “Tillie” Gibbs on Aug. 8, 1914, in Ogden. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple March 21, 1948. She died Feb. 13, 1986.

He had served as mayor of Portage and was also a member of the town board for 25 years.

He had worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for many years. For 40 years he had worked as a section foreman. He retired at age 70.

He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, baseball and basketball.

He was an active member of the LDS Church. He had been a stake missionary for eight years, bishop of the Wasaki (Washaki) Ward and had been home teacher until he was 80 years of age.

Surviving are two sons, Col. Keith Conley, Camino Island, Wash.; Dr. Max Conley, Farmington; one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Vodis) Ward, Idaho Falls, Idaho; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson.

Also surviving are three sisters, Birdie Smith, Brigham City, Irelia Simmons, Burley, Idaho; Vina McCormick, Boise, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by one son.

Services will be held noon Wednesday in the Malad LDS Stake Chapel, with Bishop Larry Howell of the Portage Ward officiating.

Friends may call Wednesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of services.

Burial will be in the Portage Cemetery.