CATCHING UP: Marek is baptized

Marek Adam Taylor is the oldest son of Adam and Maureen Taylor and one of the newest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Baptized and confirmed on August 11, 2020, Marek had some special  hands laid upon his head including those of his father, both of his grandfathers and those of close family friends Brother Brett Peterson and Collin Bradbury.  The program included a short talk by Grandpa Taylor on the Holy Ghost; a talk by Marek’s mom Maureen on repentance; and, a song – “When I Am Baptized” - by his sisters Alanis and Maeven. 

“Marek”- the Polish version of Mark - is a 3^rd grade student in the Chinese immersion program at Bloomington Elementary School.  His favorite after-school activities include playing with his friends and his Dad.  Second favorite activities are soccer, video games, anything relating to science and swimming.  

His mom says Marek adores his family and pets and has a gentle, sweet personality with bold leadership skills.  What does he want to “be” when he grows up, his Mom says, “lately he’s been saying he wants to be a top gaming YouTuber!”

 

Congratulations, Marek on your decision to be baptized - the first step on the way back to your Heavenly Father! 

CATCHING UP: Griffin is a member

Griffin Landon Munk, oldest of Landon and Brittney Munk's three children, was baptized and confirmed by his Dad on August 2, 2020 in northern Utah.  The decision to travel north was made to be closer to grandparents and other family members, including Griffin's cousin Harper (daughter of Brittney's brother) with whom he shared the day ... and their relatives from all over the state. 

According to his mother, Griffin (his mother's maiden name) is a very responsible (he's a firstborn after all), artistic, energetic, fun big brother with a great laugh and a beautiful smile.  He loves to go on adventures, loves school, is very smart, intuitive and aware and "we are proud of his decision to be baptized."

This handsome 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School  is now also the newest member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward and a “fellowcitizen with the saints” in the “household of God” following the example of Jesus Christ. 

Til we meet again Br. James Creed

Dr. Jim Creed, DVM, of St. George, UT passed peacefully into eternity at his Bloomington home, with his “Lover” Jayne by his side, on Sunday, November 8, 2020.  He was 87.

James Edward Creed was born on the family farm in rural Atchison County, Missouri on December 10, 1932.  He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1950 and met the love of his life, Jayne Headley, at a high school basketball tournament that same year.  They were married on August 16, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Oregon, Missouri.

Jim was in the Air Force ROTC for 4 years and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1954, all the while planning to be a farmer but shortly after graduating, Jim was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, and was stationed at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio.  After two years at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio, Jim and Jayne welcomed two little girls, Joan and Joy before returning to Missouri.

It didn’t take long for Jim to realize full-time farm life wasn’t for him and he applied to veterinary school.  He attended the University of Missouri and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1961.  While in vet school, they welcomed Julie, their 3^rd little girl. He then began a long, successful career in veterinary academia as a faculty member and administrator.  While at Colorado State University, the Creed’s welcomed Janet, their 4^th little girl.  He completed his Master’s Degree in Veterinary Surgery from CSU in 1967 and his American College of Veterinary Surgeons board certification in 1974.  Jim served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Missouri. He also served as Assistant Dean for Service and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University.  Jim had a special love for teaching and mentoring his students.  Following his retirement in 1999, Jim and Jayne returned to the home they loved in Columbia, MO. where they cared for 3 beautiful acres overlooking their pond. In 2013 they moved to St. George, UT to be closer to family.

Of his many tremendous assets and talents, Jim had a special heart for service.  As a member of the Optimist International organization for many years, he served as a club president, Lt. Governor and Governor of the Colorado-Wyoming District, and in 1979-80 he was selected to serve as Optimist International President. He also served for many years on multiple veterinary association boards and as President of the Western Veterinary Conference. 

Jim was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He and Jayne were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, Utah Temple in the spring of1974.  Jim held many church callings over the years, including Bishop of a student ward in Columbia, MO at the age of 70. 

His example of simple living, humility, hard work, optimism and service will live on for generations.  He taught all of us valuable lessons – be grateful, be kind, be loving, serve others and obey God’s commandments.  Of all his many accomplishments in life, Jim cherished most his wife and family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother William Charles Creed and two granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth Harry and Laura Beth Beckstrand. He is survived by his wife, Jayne; daughters Joan (Ron) Harry, Joy (Dave) Beckstrand, Julie (Paul) Arslanian, and Janet (Van) Crawford, as well as 24 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating in Jim’s memory to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine online https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1002/giving/index.aspx?sid=1002&gid=165&pgid=5006&cid=9137 or by submitting checks to the University of Missouri in memory of Dr. James Creed, at 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO  65211.

Jim and Jayne are beloved members of the Bloomington 7^th Ward.

Rest in Peace, Brother Frank Knowles

Franklin Duke Knowles, father, grandfather, “great” and longtime member of the B7 Ward, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on Sunday, November 1 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

One of eight children born to Eugene Arthur Knowles, Sr. and Pearl Delores Duke in Salt Lake City, Frank attended West High School and the University of Utah before joining the Utah National Guard in 1960 as a member of the newly organized Special Forces.  

In 1961-63 he had “the wonderful opportunity” to serve a mission in South Africa, which in those days included South Africa and Northern and Southern Rhodesia and where he grew to love the countries and the amazing people.  

Upon his return, Frank married Sue Richins and became Dad to two – a daughter Jilynne and a son Shawn who both lived and raised their families in St. George, including Frank’s 6 “fantastic” grands and four “greats.”  Frank always said, “When I am gone, more than anything, I will miss my children and grandchildren more than anything else.”

 

At the age of 69, while writing his personal history, Frank was shocked to learn he had another brother.  Frank was heartbroken to have never had the chance to meet Deyon who was “missing in action or buried at sea” and presumed dead in November 1943 after serving on the USS Preston.  

 

Frank always had a strong and abiding testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  After his mission in South Africa in 1963 he served five and one-half years as Assistant Chaplain at Utah State Prison.  In various wards, he served as High Priest group leader, ward clerk, a counselor in a bishopric, three times as a member of stake high councils.  He also served as an ordinance worker in the Portland Oregon Temple.  In 2013, he was called to serve a second time in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission where he served as branch president.  

 

He was interred, with military honors, in the Tonaquint Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Church Missionary Department.

Your gentle wit will be missed,  Br. Knowles.  Rest in peace til  we meet again.