Lellon S Dutson

A strong tenor joined the angelic choir the evening of December 26, 2013, with the return of Lellon S. Dutson, Jr. to his heavenly home.

Lellon was born March 17, 1930 in Tooele, Utah, to Lellon Sem Dutson and Elnora Olsen. He is the oldest of five children: Valoy, Cloyd, Gail, Elinor. Lellon grew up in Tooele, Ogden, and Cache Valley, with the family eventually settling in Millville. He loved his mom and dad very much and learned the importance of family and hard work from both.

Lellon served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1951 - 1953. He was an M-1 Sharpshooter with the Head Quarters Company of the 21st Regiment of the 24th Division. Through his experiences in the military, he developed a deep sense of patriotism and love of country. His home flies the American flag at all times.

After serving in the military, Lellon returned home to meet his eternal sweetheart, Joan Atkinson. They married October 1, 1953 in the Logan LDS Temple. In their third month of marriage, Lellon received a call to the LDS Stockholm, Sweden mission and served there from 1954-1956. While there, he met many decendents from his ancestory in Malmo. Upon returning home, he pursued and achieved a Bachelors in Industrial Art and a Masters degree in Metal Smithing/Fine Arts, which he accomplished in four years. Lellon accepted a teaching position in the Ogden City School District and spent 32 years in the teaching profession. He enjoyed teaching children to think abstractly, to discover and builld their artistic abilities. He encouraged his students to put their jewelry in the Utah State Fair, which always achieved many awards. (And yes, he drove every day to Ogden in a carpool for 32 years through Sardine canyon, regardless of snow, rain or sun.)

Lellon and Joan were blessed with the births of six children: Shaun Lellon, Kendell Stuart, Tyler Blaine (Kim), Christina Joan (Kelly), Anthony Virgil (Katrina), and Roseann. Each child was a blessing. Each child wanted. He considered his greatest blessing that of being a husband and father and his art and jewelry reflected that belief. They also lovingly opened their home to Alonzo Nez through the Indian Placement Program. His seven children blessed him with 24 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Lellon served faithfully in the LDS church in many capacities including Young Men's president, High Council, and Scout Master. His lifelong devotion to Scouting earned him the commradry of many and many Scouting honors, including Brotherhood membership in the Orderhood of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver. His Scouting stories put his family and friends in fits of laughter, knowing his willingness to learn and do his best to lead all the while being a boy at heart. He gave his time in retirement willing serving an LDS Church History Mission in the New Mexico, Albuquerque Mission and what he called his second mission with his daughter and grandson in Austin, Texas.

Lellon was a famous jokester and his ringing laughter was enjoyed by all. He sang loud and proud during church services and could always be heard singing above the congregation. As his children can attest, if you can't sing like him, at least try to sing as loud so he knows the words. He was a dear part of any organization he was offiliated with, especially his time serving in the American Legion, South Cache Post 47. He is often credited with revitalizing the post and recruiting the troops to serve. From the Hyrum July 4th Parade to organizing veteran funerals to recruiting, he loved his fellow veterans. Their stories were as much apart of his life as they were. Through an Elder Care Wish with Hospice, he was celebrated as a Korean War veteran by the men and women of Dugway Proving grounds. A very special memory he and his family hold dear.

Before his passing, his family gathered Christmas night to celebrate their love for their patriarch. Stories and memories shared, we knew this day was coming and have spent the past year embracing time with our sweet Dad, Papa Bear, Pop. Until we meet again, we love you.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 31, 2103 at 11:00am in the Hyrum Stake Center, 600 South 200 East, Hyrum. Friends may call at the Allen-Hall Mortuary on Monday evening from 6 to 8pm and at the Stake Center on Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30am. Interment will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery.


Our family would like to thank Dr. Steven S. Salisbury and his staff for their years of dedicated care and sense of humor along with the nursing staff at CNS for their genuine, loving support and care.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.allenmortuaries.net