Howard Nielsen Creer - Walker Funeral Home

Howard Nielsen Creer, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Spanish Fork, Utah, on May 22, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 27, 1934, in his family home in Spanish Fork, the son of William Clayton Creer and Nellie Ardella Nielsen Creer, also native to Spanish Fork. He grew up in Spanish Fork, graduating from Spanish Fork High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from BYU, and his Master of Education Degree from Los Angeles State University.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Mallie Harrison, in Provo, Utah; they were later sealed in the Manti, Utah Temple. They were blessed with five children: Calleen (George-deceased) Argyle, Mike (Tracy) Creer, Patty (Bob) Chappel, Ginger (Shane) Hansen, and Clayton (Carolyn) Creer.

Howard’s wife, Joyce, was the light of his life and he adored her from their very first date. They were married 69 years. Family was everything to dad. He and mom loved their five children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, along with six step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren.

He and Joyce loved to travel with their many friends, visiting several European countries.

He was a dedicated elementary school teacher and a principal, totaling 38 years, in the Nebo School District. He loved hearing about all of the good things the students he taught were doing in their lives.

He was very active in civic affairs throughout his life. He served as a Spanish Fork City Councilman, and was instrumental in moving the Spanish Fork Golf Course to its present location at Spanish Oaks. He was awarded the FFA Chapter Farmer Award for all the many years he was involved with FFA. He showed many animals, as a youth, in the Utah Junior Livestock Show, winning several Reserve Champions and blue ribbons. While attending BYU, he was a member of the Livestock Judging Team, and scored high at the national convention. He served 30 years as Secretary, Director, and President of the Spanish Fork Utah Junior Livestock Show.

Howard was active in community projects. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, serving as President. He was also selected as one of three Most Outstanding Men of Utah for all of his community service; N. Eldon Tanner presented the award to him in Salt Lake City.

He was a farmer, a teacher, a principal, and active in community service, but his greatest joy in life was his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Anna Marie (Kent) Palfreyman; and Virginia, who died as a young child. His brother, Bill (LaRae) Creer survives him.

Howard’s family expresses thanks to Canyon Home Healthcare for their compassionate care of him.

There will be a graveside service, at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 12 Noon.

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10 Condolences for Howard Nielsen Creer

Condolences(10)

Lynnette Whiting Smith says

May 23, 2020 at 5:09 am

Oh how Mr Creer made school fun at Wilson Elementary. I loved putting on plays, all my teachers and our fun playground time. I lived 3 houses west of the old swing and slide on the south side. Loved my time at Wilson

Catherine Lippincott says

May 23, 2020 at 12:28 pm

Kyle – Uncle Chuck and I only had the privilege of meeting your Grandpa once but we knew and felt that he was an amazing person. We love your family as if it were our own and send our sympathies to all.

Kelli says

May 23, 2020 at 3:21 pm

I an so proud to call Howard Creer my grandpa!! My thoughts and prayers are with you Grandma and everyone who knew and loved this amazing, one of a kind man! You are going to be missed!!! I love you grandpa!! Thank you for being … YOU!!!!

Shelly says

May 23, 2020 at 5:37 pm

Aunt Joyce sorry for your loss….sending you my love from Las Vegas your niece Shelly Simmons raade

Nancy Bagley says

May 24, 2020 at 6:28 pm

Dear Joyce and family, so sorry to hear of your loss.

Mike & Rosalie Taylor says

May 24, 2020 at 7:21 pm

Dear Creer Family,
Sorry to hear of your Husband and Fathers’s passing. He was a very kind and generous person. I remember his as being very firm, but patient with we neighborhood kids as we played in the yard with his children. Rosalie remembers him also being patient and very motivating in her 5th grade class at Central School trying to learn French in a class of 33 kids. He gave me the first job I can remember hoeing/thinning beets down on the farm property west of town and cleaning ditches on all of the farm properties. Our best to Joyce and all of you “kids” as well. We know this is a difficult time for all of you. May you each feel our Savior’s comfort you at this time.

Larry and Sharon Creer says

May 24, 2020 at 10:50 pm

Howard was a great principal to my children at the Park school. But mos t of all I knew him to be a loving husband and father to his family. He will be missed. So sorry for the loss to all of you.

George Gull says

May 25, 2020 at 1:38 am

Howard was a great friend. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at Wilson School with him as my principal. I extend my sympathy to his family.

Marilyn Leifson says

May 25, 2020 at 2:26 pm

Dear Joyce and family,
I express my deep condolences to you on the passing of Howard. May the Lord bless you during this trying time.

Lana Hiskey says

July 20, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Rod & Ann Dart donated in memory of Howard Creer to the Nebo Education Foundation. Thank you for all your service. You will always be remembered.

Howard Nielsen Creer October 27, 1934 - May 22, 2020

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10 Condolences for Howard Nielsen Creer