Remembering Friends

Yon Lindsey - Class Of 1954

Yon Lindsey

Surrounded by loved ones, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Yon Huston Lindsey, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at The Charleston assisted living in Cedar Hills, Utah. He was 89 years old.

Yon was born October 22, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Howard William Lindsey and Alice Young, and grew up alongside his younger brother, Robert (Bob). His childhood was shaped by frequent moves across the United States and Europe, including time overseas in Germany and France. Those years were filled with adventure, ingenuity, and hard work—from night catfishing with his mom and cotton picking to earn money for toys, to discovering a downed WWII Messerschmitt fighter plane and sitting in the cockpit, pretending to fly daring missions. These formative experiences helped cultivate the curiosity, resilience, and ingenuity that defined his life.

In the early 1960’s Yon and his two sons (from a previous marriage) Mark and Brett moved from Seattle to Huntsville, Alabama. In 1968, Yon and his two sons joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a decision he described as “the greatest journey of his life,” one that would shape generations. In 1969, he met the love of his life, Michele Delaney. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1970 and sealed as a family in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1971. Together they raised seven children, welcoming five daughters: Rene, Suzanne, Laura, Kelly, and Kerri.

Yon possessed a brilliant and innovative mind. A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, his career included work on the Apollo 11 rockets that sent astronauts to the moon, anti-satellite programs at Cheyenne Mountain, early Caller ID technology, and the design of the Boeing 777 airplane. In retirement, he found joy mentoring BYU engineering students, sharing both knowledge and encouragement.

Despite his profound professional achievements, Yon’s greatest joy and devotion was to his family. A steady and practical leader, he taught by example—always prepared, always learning, always serving. Known for carrying a flashlight in his pocket, he believed deeply that the fullest life is found in loving and helping others. His faith was central to who he was, and he served faithfully in the Church as a seminary teacher, beloved Gospel Doctrine instructor, and counselor in a bishopric. He had a rare gift for connecting with anyone, driven by genuine curiosity and respect.

Yon was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Lindsey. He is survived by his beloved wife, Michele; his children Mark (late Marilyn), Brett (Claire), Rene, Suzanne (David), Laura, Kelly (Scott), and Kerri (Michael); 16 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. His life leaves a legacy of genuine love, faith, intellect, and service.