John Rex Duffin

John Rex Duffin, Pocatello passed away peacefully July 14th, 2015 in his sleep, with his best friend and loving wife, Myrna of 59 years by his side.

John was born January 6th, 1931 in Hunter, UT to John Leslie Andreason and Myrtle Duffin Andreason. His mother passed away 6 weeks after his birth. He was raised and later adopted by his Aunt Ella May and Uncle Roland Duffin.

He spent most of his life in Aberdeen on the family farm. Even though he was raised as an only child he spent plenty of time with his siblings; Byron, Ardith, Lynn and June; half-sisters Marjean, Gail; half-brother Gary Andreason; and step siblings Frank, Rhea Mae, Lorraine and LaMar.

John married the girl next door, Myrna Feld, July 12th 1956 in the Idaho Falls, ID LDS Temple. They settled on the family farm where they started life together in two rooms and path out back. They raised potatoes, hay, grain, livestock and 6 kids. He loved being outdoors on the farm, hunting and especially steelhead fishing with family and friends.

John was an active member of The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints where he served in many callings; from scout leader, Sunday School President, Elders Quorum President and member of the Bishopric.

John spent a good part of his life volunteering and serving in many organizations such as Potato Growers of Idaho, National Potato Promotion Board and the Idaho High School Rodeo Association where he served as District and State President. This service would create associations and friendships that have lasted throughout his life.

He shared a love of horses with his children and grandchildren. John owned many great Quarter Horses that won titles from racing, rodeo and cutting. One of his favorite things to do was watch his family compete in rodeo and roping. One of his proudest moments was when he was recently inducted into the East Idaho Horseman's Hall of Fame.

After suffering a stroke in 1986 John turned over the day to day operations of the family farm to son Eric. He then embarked on a new career as a sales rep for Double L Manufacturing, selling potato equipment. He loved the challenge and enjoyed the friendships he made with customers all over North America.

John is survived by: his wife Myrna Feld Duffin of Pocatello, ID; daughter, Shauna Elsberry of Kaysville, UT; sons Byron (Shanda) Shelley, ID, Eric (Melanie) Pocatello, Kelly (Cindy) Pocatello, ID and daughter Ginger (Jeff) Reed Kaysville, UT; 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way; mother-in-law Berneta Feld, Aberdeen, ID; sister Gail (Jon) Broadhead, Buckeye, AZ; stepbrother Frank (Bonnie) Anderson, Twin Falls, ID.

He was preceded in death by: his parents Roland and Ella May Duffin; birth parents John Leslie Andreason, Myrtle Duffin Andreason; father-in-law O.E. Feld; daughter Andrea Lin Duffin; son-in-law Terry Elsberry; and several of his siblings.

Funeral services for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2015 at the Tyhee 7th Ward LDS Chapel at 12146 W. Tyhee Road. Visitation with family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19th 2015 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the John Duffin Memorial Fund in support of Idaho High School Rodeo Association. Fund is located at Idaho Central Credit Union account # 711064372. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.