Archie Stoddard

Archibald Gilbert Stoddard passed away peacefully at his home in Chubbuck, Idaho on May 8th, 2019.

Archie was born January 21, 1921 in Rexburg, Idaho to Archibald W.R. and Eliza Amanda Gilbert Stoddard. He was the 6th child of eight. Archie grew up in Pocatello attending schools there. His father worked for the railroad and was transferred between Archie's junior and senior year. His family moved to Los Angeles, California, where he graduated from Montebello High School in 1939.

After graduation, Archie worked for Smith Meador Co. In 1941, he returned to Pocatello to marry his high school sweetheart Beverly Irene Lyon on September 21st. The newlyweds settled down Los Angeles, CA. On November 8th of that same year their marriage was solemnized in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They welcomed their first child, Keith Brent, on June 18th, 1942.

Archie joined the Navy May of 1944. He served as a Photographer's Mate Third Class during World War II. This took him all over the pacific. He was one of the Photographers taking photos of the Japanese Surrender Ceremonies on the USS Panamint in the Ominato Bay, Japan. After the war, Archie was discharged as a Petty Officer Second Class Photographer's Mate. He later joined the SeaBees where he retired from the Navy after 20 years of service.

When Archie returned from WWII, he rejoined Beverly and Keith in California where they built a beautiful home in Montebello. Archie worked as a Postal Worker for nine years. In 1951, Beverly contracted tuberculosis and to help in her healing, they returned to Idaho. Archie built their second home in Pocatello, on Quinn Road, where they happily lived for 46 years. Archie worked for Metropolitan Life for 32 years. Twenty years after the birth of their first child, they were blessed by the birth of their second child, their little girl Beverly Kaye (Becky) on November 22, 1962.

Archie loved the outdoors! He loved camping, backpacking, and always grew a big garden. He had a deep love of photography and he also loved to travel. He was an expert woodworker and could build anything. His homes were beautiful, and his cabinetry was stunning. Archie loved to dance with his sweetheart; they were often found dancing and singing in the living room. They happily worked side-by-side and loved spending time with their family and friends

Archie served on the Bannock Memorial Board for many years. He was blessed to serve in many callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He acted as Priest quorum advisor, Ward Clerk, Superintendent of the West Pocatello Stake YMMIA, a counselor in a bishopric, a high councilman both in the West Pocatello Stake as well as at Idaho State University, the Bishop of the Pocatello 9th Ward, a gospel doctrine teacher and always as faithful Home Teacher. He served as a Home Teacher until age 97, when his health would no longer allow it. He loved serving others and his Father in Heaven.

On January 20th, 1999, his sweetheart, Beverly, died suddenly after 57 years of marriage. After being alone for a year, he courted and married his second sweetheart, Delores Margean Farnsworth Jones on February 1st, 2000. They spent many happy years traveling in their little travel trailer across the United States. Margean lovingly cared for him until he passed away peacefully with her by his side.

He is survived by his wife Margean, his children Keith Brent Stoddard and Beverly Kaye (Kevin) McOmber; his grandchildren Brent Mathews (Nicole) Stoddard, Sean David (Katina) Stoddard, Heather Leilani (Jestin) Dorius, Jennifer Tiana (Clint) Campbell, Kayelani Rae (Daniel) Dodson, Latisha Kaye (James) Hoxsey, Amanda Cecilia (Ben) Wallace, and Jacob Gilbert (Siera) McOmber; as well as 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Margean's children Vickie (Richard) Allen, Jackie (Lavelle) Rupp, Kathy (Robert) Law, Nuel Wayne (Marina) Jones, Sheri (Robert) Greenwood, and Robert (Maggie) Jones as well as 25 of her grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren.

Archie was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, his parents, his siblings, Arley, Thelma, Vilda, Virda, Al, and Lila, his daughter-in-law Annette Mathews Stoddard, and a grandson Joshua Ray McOmber.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, May 18th at the Pocatello 9th Ward Chapel, 4010 Hawthorne Road. A viewing will be held from 10-11:45 AM prior to the services at the church. His interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery where Military Rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Heritage Hospice, including Jason, Chrissy and Jody for their loving and compassionate care with Archie and the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.