Laron Billingsley Obituary (1947 - 2024)

Washington, UT - Laron Kent Billingsley, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 1st, 2024. He was born on October 8th, 1947 in Lynwood, California to Aaron P. and Myrtle Bates Billingsley. He married Shirley Julia Jacobson in the Los Angeles Temple on June 19, 1971. He was raised in Santa Fe Springs California and graduated from Santa Fe High School. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints in the New Zealand North Mission from 1967 - 1969. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Brigham Young University, a Masters of School Administration from Cal State Fullerton, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He had many different occupations throughout his life. He owned a lawn care business with his brother Alan, spent two-week stints every summer with extended family as a farmer in Arizona, was a delivery driver for CocaCola, a mailroom and pressman for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, a teacher, and coach at Mayfair High School, worked in a variety of positions at Thiokol Corp and a senior analyst for national security at DynCorp. He also was a principal at Glenns Ferry Elementary School for many years. Laron was an avid history buff, collecting historical artifacts as well as a library of books. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a dedicated genealogical enthusiast, indexing over 700,000 names. He shared his love of genealogy with his family, finding lost relatives and discovering new connections. He loved music and played multiple instruments. After serving his mission, he became a member of the Grandland Singers in California. He was a beloved and revered football, soccer, baseball, volleyball, track & field, and basketball coach. He coached his children’s sports teams as well as athletes from high school to collegiate levels. He enjoyed his time coaching football under Coach LaVell Edwards at Brigham Young University. Laron was a world traveler and collected many memories, which he treasured. He is survived by his wife Shirley Julia Billingsley of 53 years, siblings: Alan (Cheryl) and Norma (Loren LaRocque), Joy Bridwell (deceased). Children: Lisa Julia (Christian Jensen IV), Traci (Jared D. Colemen), Michael Laron (Lauralee), Melanie Jenae (Preston Wade Walker), Matthew Kent (Brent DeLeon Silva), and Bryce Jacob (Megan). Grandchildren: Christian Jensen V (Capria), Conway Warren Jensen, Ella Julia Jensen, Adler Troy Marsing, Jax Jacobson Marsing, Sailor Janes Coleman, Kayla Bird (CJ), Chloe Billingsley, Max Stone Billingsley, Jocelyn Jenae Walker, Brinley Grace Walker, Paisley Alexa Walker, Rhyder Jacob Billingsley, Austin Lee Billingsley, Brevyn Knight Billingsley, Stella Nichelle Billingsley. Great grandchildren: Olivia Joy Jensen, Christian Jensen VI, Magnolia Bird, and baby Jensen due in February. Laron is leaving behind many family members, friends and neighbors who love him very much. Preceded in death by his parents Aaron P. Billingsley and Myrtle Bates Billingsley, and sister Joy Bridwell. Funeral services will be held September 7th, 2024 at 2:30 pm. Internment will be in the Bloomington, Idaho City Cemetery amongst beloved family members. Arrangements are made under the direction of Hughes Morturary, 1037 East 700 S. St. George, UT, (435) 674-5000.