Lyndon Callister

Lyndon Callister passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2023, at age 80.

Lyndon was born in Delta, Utah in 1943 to Joseph Lathel and Margaret Church Callister. The 9th of 16 children, he came to earth with an innate sense of his eternal identity and purpose. The Callister legacy involved working, playing, and singing together. One of Lyndon’s jobs was to help milk cows; he diligently milked about 4,500 times before they started using electric milkers. Lessons learned and virtues gained on the family farm run deep. The Callister heritage embodies a strong work ethic, cheerful temperament, and rock-ribbed integrity. Nurtured with this affectionate and fun-loving upbringing, Lyndon never lost sight of what was most important in his life—God, family, and country.

Lyndon carries with him an unshakable faith in Jesus Christ. In this life he devoted his time and talents to the kingdom of God. Especially in his later years, he was prolific in temple and family history work—himself a product of resolute pioneers who helped settle the Salt Lake Valley and Millard County, Utah. Throughout his life he actively helped move The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints forward, loyally serving in many callings and assignments, including a full-time mission to the Great Lakes Mission from 1962-1964.

When we think of those who helped shape who Lyndon was and is yet to become, we think first of his sweet and engaging companion, Susan Blake. Following his mission, Lyndon met the love of his life while attending the College of Southern Utah (currently SUU); it was Susan’s first year of college and Lyndon’s second. The first time he saw her, Lyndon “was immediately attracted to her.” Given their mutual fondness, it wasn’t long before the couple was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1965. Through the highs and lows, Susan helped mold him like potter’s clay into a more polished disciple of Christ, exemplary father, and influencer for good. Her everlasting affection sustained him through 57 years of marriage; she likewise tenderly cared for him at home till his final breath.

Lyndon graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Sociology from Utah State University. He then moved his family to Pennsylvania for doctoral studies in Rural Sociology at Penn State University. In the summer of 1976, the pull of Utah brought the family back. He and Susan raised their two boys—Gary and Todd—in Delta, Utah, where Lyndon was employed as a social worker for 32 years.

As family patriarch, Lyndon was a strong supporter of his children. He was involved in their education, sporting events, and church activities. As parents, he and Susan provided for and visited their sons on their missions to Colombia and Taiwan. Lyndon encouraged Todd’s aptitude for business and finance and Gary’s commitment to military service. Nothing brought him more joy than seeing his family prosper, contribute to society, and raise a posterity of their own. His daughters-in-law—Lyndi and Mirela—and seven grandchildren are his crown jewels. The closing line of Lyndon’s personal history reads: "My hobby is to enjoy our family."

Till the end of mortality, Lyndon sang in choirs and performed Christmas solos in church. He relished weekly racquetball games and frequent encounters with his siblings. He epitomized the principle life is too short to sweat the small stuff. What mattered most to him was ministering to and touching lives, motivated by lovingkindness and a desire to serve. He was a delight and an uplift to those he encountered.

Lyndon will be remembered for his calm demeanor, non-judgmental nature, positive attitude, and infectious smile—which enriched countless souls. His undaunted assurance that “all is well” as we follow God’s plan pointed our lives in divine directions. His praiseworthy impact will be felt throughout the eternities.

As we honor and celebrate Lyndon’s life, our hope is that we may cultivate charity—like he did—and that we will care for those in need—like he did. We stand all amazed at the love he offered so many.

Lyndon is survived by his eternal companion, Susan Blake Callister; two sons, Gary (Mirela) Callister and Todd (Lyndi) Callister; 7 grandchildren; and 12 brothers and sisters. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents and 3 siblings.

On behalf of the Callister family, we express heartfelt thanks to extended family, friends, neighbors, and health care professionals who showed compassion and provided support in Lyndon’s final hours.

Viewing will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM, in the Telford Ward Chapel, 1834 East Creek Road (7995 South), Sandy, Utah. A viewing will also be held Saturday prior to the services from 10:00-10:45 AM. To view previously held services please click on the link provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages an act of service or kind gesture to a loved one, acquaintance, or stranger.