Junior Lee Starkweather, 78, passed away May 25, 2022 at his home in Manti.


Lee was born Dec. 28, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona, to Harvey Kaylor and Cecilia Blaker. He married Jean Ardith Reed on June 2, 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona, and their marriage was later solemnized on March 11, 1964 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just a week after his passing.
Lee graduated in 1962 from South Mountain High School in Phoenix. He was a member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers, Met n et., and Boy Scouts of America, Post 29 in Phoenix, holding several positions. Lee worked in the grocery business, working his way up from box boy to manager.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lee was an ordinance worker in the San Diego, Newport Beach and Manti Temples. He served a mission at Snow College and also served for two years in the Manti Bishop’s Storehouse.
Lee loved to work in his yard, and he loved to garden. He was always willing to help others. He often opened the Patton House Museum when people came to town. He enjoyed explaining all the old artifacts inside. He enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren to amusement parks and camping with them.
Lee is survived by his wife, Jean; children: Michael (Yesenia) Starkweather of Murrieta, California; Mitchell (Christina) Starkweather of Manti; Victor (Shelly) Starkweather of Santa Ana, California; Venise (Jay) Johnson of Mission Viejo, California; and Troy (Pamela) Starkweather of Oceanside, California; 24 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Clara Jean Cluff; and sister-in-law, Carol Starkweather.
Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna (Horace) Craven; and brother, Don Starkweather.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the Manti 2nd Ward, 555 East Union. Friends may call prior to services at the church from 9-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery.
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at http://www.maglebymortuary.com.