John Evan Barrus returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, September 28, 2012. He was born on December 1, 1954, to George and Merlynn Barrus, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The third of eight children, John was raised in Utah, graduating from Provo High School. He married the love of his life, Anna Leesa Stanley, in the Provo LDS temple in 1978.

 

John earned a degree in accounting from BYU followed by an MBA from the University of Washington, and a Juris Doctor from BYU law school. He worked as a self-employed attorney in both Fresno and Roseville, California, doing estate planning for the past 27 years, a job he truly loved.

 

His life was marked by service and love toward all. As a young man, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. He served in many positions in the church, including as a bishop and a stake president. One of his favorite opportunities was working with youth, especially in the Boy Scouts. John loved Sunday walks, Calvin ball, and running, especially with his kids. He enjoyed backpacking, read avidly, and was always trying to learn. He rarely sat still, yet he had time for everyone. He was a child at heart but the best of men. Though loved by all who knew him, he will be especially missed by the family he leaves behind.

 

John is survived by his wife, Anna Leesa; his son, Steve (Sunny); his daughters, Emily (Nate), Katie (Drew), Kristy (Steve), and Brianne. He was loved by his ten grandchildren as well. He is also survived by his parents; siblings; their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1880 Gettysburg Ave, Clovis on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.