John Henry VanDuren Jr

December 15, 1932 - March 28, 2017

John Henry Van Duren Jr. of West Jordan, Utah died Tuesday March 28, 2017 in the comfort of his home. He had battled pneumonia and leukemia. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, December 15, 1932, to John and Emily Van Duren. John served in the United States Army from 1950-1953, Korean war. He was given an honorable discharge because of injury. John married his first wife, Lois Meats, while serving in the Military. The marriage didn’t last long, but produced two beautiful children. On February 14, 1955, John married Lucille Bird. They were married for 42 years when Lucille passed away in December of 1998. They had 11 children. John worked very hard to provide for his large family. He retired from the Salt Lake City Parks Department after 30 years. In 1999 John went to the Island of Tonga to do construction work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This led to the meeting and later, marriage to Vai Pita on March 30, 2000. John and Vai enjoyed 17 years of love and friendship. John loved his Tongan family and friends. John was devoted to his family and friends. He was compassionate to others and wanted to help whenever possible. John served many years with The Boy Scouts of America, earning the highest award of Silver Beaver. John also served in many callings, including Temple work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. John was a master of many trades, such as, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, gardening, and many more. He could fix anything that was broken. John loved fishing, hunting, working in the yard, family parties and Western movies. John was preceded in death by his wife Lucille; sons, Mike, Dwayne and Samuel; daughters, Loretta and Elizabeth. John is survived by wife Vai Van Duren; sons, John Van Duren (wife Charlene); Aaron Van Duren (wife Lis), Lorin Van Duren; daughters, Debbie Hamilton; Marie Shreve (husband Christian); Shirley Rowley (husband Marv); Michelle Van Duren; Sarella Anderson (husband John); step-son, William Pita (wife Salome); step-daughter, Vai Van Duren Baker (husband Viliami). John had 13 children, 2 step children, 49 grandchildren and 85 great-grandchildren. John was loved very much by his family and friends! He will be missed! Services are under the direction of Peni Malohifo'ou of Serenity Funeral Home Funeral Service and viewing to be held Thursday April 13, 2017 at the LDS Church located at 8435 South 2700 West, West Jordan, Utah Viewing: 9:30-11:00 a.m. Service: 11:30 a.m. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North Street E, Salt Lake City, Utah