Jack Vernon Priest, 84, of Ammon, died Tuesday evening, June 20, 2006, at the home of his daughter in Idaho Falls.

Vernon was born to Jack Richard Priest and Cleo Vest Priest in Shelley, Idaho, on February 4, 1922. He graduated from Shelley High School.

One of the most important times in his life was the night he attended a dance at Wandamere and met a beautiful and effervescent blonde, Betty Lou Stevenson. It seemed to be love at first sight and on June 26, 1944, they were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Betty and Vernon shared 54 years of loving devotion to each other. He patiently waited on and nursed Betty back from several serious illnesses. He never stopped expressing his deep love for her even after her death in 1998.

After farming a few years, he became an appliance repairman for C. C. Anderson. He began his own electrical contracting business, Priest Electric. He was one of the first electrical contractors in eastern Idaho to install dry farm pumps for irrigation purposes. Betty and Vernon spent many hours alongside each other operating their electrical contracting business, building homes, and raising award-winning quarter horses.

Vernon served faithfully as a Bishop's counselor, Highcouncilman, Elders Quorum President, Executive secretary, and in many other positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He enjoyed hunting, but especially found the greatest pleasure fishing. He passed the passion on to his wife, Betty; his son, grandsons, and other family members and friends. He truly knew how to enjoy the out-of-doors and had a deep appreciation for nature. He never lost his desire "to go up on the South Fork".

Vernon was not only a devoted husband and loving father, but also a loyal and supportive friend. He and Betty treasured the companionship of life-long friends and often entertained in their home, making any visitor most welcome and at ease. Vernon's great patience and his loving concern for others wasn't just expressed in words, but also in his actions.

Even though our Dad wasn't a national or highly-touted hero, he was someone who made a difference in many lives simply by being himself. He had the kind of strength, character, and kindness that are at the heart of what it takes to be a truly great person.

He is survived by his daughters, Camille (David) Averett of Ammon, and Lorie (John) Lundblade of Idaho Falls; 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Danny; a sister and 2 brothers.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2006, at the Ammon LDS Chapel, 3000 Central Avenue, with Bishop Steven Hall officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, and Saturday at the church one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Vernon's family would like to express their appreciation for the care given through the years to their father by Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Dr. Linderman, Dr. Wally Baker, and their staffs for their professional, thoughtful, and sensitive care.