Gaylon Kay Thornock

With grateful hearts and a lifetime of memories, we celebrate the life of Gaylon Kay Thornock—devoted husband, loyal dad, and beloved grandpa—who completed his earthly journey on November 11, 2026.

Gaylon began his story on June 19, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, born to Aden Kay Thornock and Kathleen Rose Rex. As the oldest of four children, he was his mother’s pride and joy. His siblings Gordon, Gloria, and Greg always looked up to their capable big brother. Life on the family ranch on Otter Creek, just north of Randolph, taught Gaylon early on that work wasn’t a chore; it was a way of life, he was proud of his upbringing. His work ethic carried right onto the basketball court at South Rich High School, where as Student Body President he helped lead the team to the state tournament—South Rich’s first tournament appearance in 26 years.

After graduating high school in 1961, Gaylon turned down a basketball scholarship at Snow College for a year at Weber State, followed by an unforgettable 31-month LDS mission to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. He sailed across the Pacific for ten days on the *S.S. Monterey* to get there, serving as a faithful missionary and developing a deep affection for the Maori people that shaped his perspective for the rest of his life. However, he never liked chicken or avocados again!

Upon returning home on May 28, 1965, Gaylon made what would turn out to be the best move of his life. Having kept JoAnne South in his thoughts, he wasted no time when passing through Evanston, calling her up to snag a date that very night. JoAnne was home from college in Laramie for just the weekend, but that long-awaited first date sparked a courtship of letters, phone calls, and visits. The two were married in the Logan Temple on December 17, 1965.

Gaylon soon realized sitting in a college classroom couldn't compete with honest, hands-on labor, and he went to work full-time for South & Jones Timber Company—a business originally founded in 1943 by the South family. Gaylon fit right into the family business, eventually becoming a full partner and spending over 58 years focusing on trucking operations alongside his partners, Burton South, Dan South, and Gene Jones. According to Gaylon, he had “the best job in the world." After 83 years, their legacy is proudly continued by family, friends, and dedicated employees.

For over four decades, Gaylon and JoAnne made their home on Red Mountain in Evanston, raising a lively, close-knit family centered on faith, loyalty, and laughter...lots of laughter! Gaylon loved to be surrounded by his busy family. He served his community and church with steady dedication. Gaylon was headstrong, stubborn at times, and only occasionally disagreed with the Forest Service.

In his later years, Gaylon faced a lengthy battle with cancer, meeting every challenge with quiet resilience and unwavering strength. He appreciated his many care providers and made a lot of nurses laugh along the way. However, hands down his favorite nurse was his wife, who with such tender love and strength, stood by his side and attended to his needs. He always said she was his “best nurse."

Much to his children’s surprise and delight, Gaylon discovered he could take a break from work and enjoy sun and rest in St. George (and many trips to Freddy’s), creating many fun memories with his family. Above any title, Gaylon took the most joy in being a steadfast husband, dad, and grandpa. He had unmatched grit, a big and strong heart, and endless devotion to his family.

The family takes great peace and comfort in knowing Gaylon is joyfully reunited on the other side with his adored youngest daughter, Nikki, who preceded him in death in July 1999; his parents, Kay and Kathleen; his brothers, Gordon and Greg; his parents-in-law, Ren and Ruth; and many dear family members who have gone before.

Gaylon leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 61 years, JoAnne; his sister, Gloria; his five surviving children, 25 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his legacy of love, hard work, and faith.

Funeral services for Gaylon Kay Thornock, will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Elm Street Chapel in Evanston. Viewing will be Sunday evening at the church from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and prior to services Monday from 9:30 - 10:45 am. A full obituary is being drafted and will be available soon.