Archie Ray Iverson, beloved son, uncle, brother, and friend passed away from this world on February 18, 2023.
Archie was born in St. George, Utah on June 22, 1934, and lived all his life in St. George.
Archie lived a life full of adventure, exploration, challenges, faith, and finding beauty in the world around him.
He learned about the sharp edges of life at a young age when at 11 years old his father passed away. At the time his three older brothers were either away or had been away serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As the oldest child left at home he was a good and caring son to his widowed mother throughout her life. Times were hard growing up under challenging economic conditions, but he always reflected and celebrated the blessing of growing up a country boy.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War but was not deployed.
Archie struggled with poor eyesight but was a naturally gifted artist who could see the beauty of the world around him, especially the western landscapes and the cowboy way of life. He was accepted into the California Art Institute but at the time didn’t have the money to attend. So, while talented enough to make a living as a professional artist, he ended up blessing the lives of family and friends with his art and earning a living through honest hard work, industry, and thrift.
His heart was broken early in his adult life and he worked to heal it by traveling to different parts of the world on adventures. He visited many different areas and countries which included Africa, Asia, the Amazon region, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma, and even flying around Mount Everest in a prop plane. While he enjoyed travel and used to say that he had “an itchy foot” to travel, southern Utah was always home and spending time with his older brother, Keith, at his ranch, or strumming his guitar and singing old cowboy songs was as enjoyable as seeing any of the wonders of the world.
Faith was something Archie felt deeply and tried every day to improve to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong testimony of its restored gospel. He served a two year service mission at the Bishop’s Storehouse.
Archie loved his brothers and sisters and looked up to his older brothers. He loved and cared about his nieces and nephews. Family mattered to him and he always wanted to live right with friends and strangers alike.
He lived life without complaint even in its trials and found joy in the simple things. His temperament was gentle and kind and not easily provoked, but if provoked it was short lived. He was trusting and not judgmental to those who found themselves in struggles.
He is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Leoma Iverson, his siblings Bernice Iverson, Marie Iverson Waite, Alvin ‘Budd’ Iverson, Grant Iverson, Keith Iverson, and Sharon Iverson Hunt.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. His passing represents a generational turning in the Iverson family. He was loved deeply and will be missed greatly, but with hope in Jesus Christ we look forward to meeting again around the campfires in heaven and sharing good humor and stories of things seen. Rest In Peace dear Uncle until we meet again at God‘s throne.
Funeral Services will be Friday, February 24th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, La Verkin West Chapel. 70 South 300 West La Verkin, UT. A viewing will be held prior to services from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be at the La Verkin, Utah Cemetery following the services.
Those who are unable to attend the services in person, are welcome to watch them online by clicking on the link below.
Click this link to view additional details about Archie's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/archie-iverson
