John Darrell Astin, Jr., 62, died January 12, 1993, after an 11-year battle with heart disease.
Through his determined efforts to exercise, quit smoking and adhere to a more healthy diet, he managed to outlive the experts' prediction of an early death by many years.John was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 21, 1930, to Irene Sparks and Darrell Astin. He attended Salt Lake City schools, graduating from East High, where he excelled at basketball and tennis. He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from the University of Utah. He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for three years. On June 13, 1954 he married Katherine (Katie) Papoulas, and together they raised two wonderful sons.
John is survived by his wife, Katie; sons, Dave, Captain, U.S. Army, in Arizona; Jim, Salt Lake City; two beautiful grandchildren, Jenni and Rachel; Jim's companion, Isabela Martinez; his mother, Irene Odendahl; sister, Juanita Edwards; his aunt and uncle, Rufus and Phyllis Astin; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. His two faithful dogs, Ginger and Tasha, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his former daughter-in-law, Connie Purdue Astin, and by his four other loyal dogs, Cleo, Sam, Nat and Dobbs.
An inveterate reader, John will be remembered for his love of learning, his vast knowledge on a variety of topics, and his quick wit. He will be missed.
Friends may call at Deseret Mortuary, 36 East 700 South, Friday, January 15th, 6 to 8 p.m. Private family graveside services will be held Saturday, January 16th, 12 noon, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Utah Humane Society or People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals, Washington D.C.
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