Joseph Alan Worthen, affectionately known as Joe, Mr. Worthen, Coach, Bishop, Dad, and the name he was most proud of: Grandpa, passed away peacefully at his home in Payson, Utah, on August 16th, 2024, at the age of 85.
Joe was Born on November 10th, 1938 in Panguitch, Utah. He was the 11th of 12 children. On September 19th, 1959, Joe married the love of his life Deanna Griener. They spent nearly 65 wonderful years together. Their bond was a beautiful blend of love, wit, and humor—qualities they shared with everyone around them.
Joe played basketball for the University of Utah, Dixie State and Utah State where in 1961 he earned a degree in Physical Education and Mathematics. He coached basketball and taught math for over 30 years at Payson High School. In 1984 Joe took on the role of Community School/City Recreation Director for Payson City, where he continued working until 1999. He worked on the volunteer fire department for many years. He loved payson and loved serving the community.
In his retirement, Joe could be found at his cabin at Panguitch Lake, where fishing became his “mission,”. When he was not at the cabin he spent many hours with his close knit group of friends, “the gang”.
Joe is survived by his four children: Wendi (Rick) Jewett, Rick (Shawnie) Worthen, Kris Ann (Darryl) Biggs, and Russell (Kodi) Worthen, along with 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Sheldon Dick (Joan) Worthen and his sister Jean (steve) Dickson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deanna , his parents Herbert and Alice, and nine of his siblings.
The Worthen family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the community for loving Joe as much as they did and for all the support they have received.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Payson 3rd Ward building, 274 South Main Street, Payson, Utah. Visitations will be held at the church on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and on Wednesday at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m., prior to the funeral.
Interment will follow in the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson.
Condolences(16)-
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Susan Rowley Hawkins says
August 19, 2024 at 10:54 pmSending hugs to the Worthen family. I loved Coach Worthen! I graduated 1978 and coach Worthen was our basketball coach my senior year. It was the first time we had a male coach and it was the first time he coached girls…it was a learning curve for both of us. We didn’t win much (only one game) but we worked and got better and had a lot of fun with each other. Early in the season we were getting waxed by Timpview and in his frustration of our lack of effort he benched all the starters, hoping to build a little fire under us but instead some started to cry ….and some pouted. He was patient and always kind, and wanted us to get better . Off the court he was always a friendly hello and you knew he cared about you as a person. I loved coach Worthen
Cody Thatcher says
August 19, 2024 at 11:12 pmNever a day of my life that I didn’t know “the gang”. I’m full of compassion and condolences for
the whole Worthen family and sending love to all…family & gang! ❤️
Evan Excell says
August 19, 2024 at 11:22 pmAlan Worthen was my childhood idol in Panguitch. In my eyes he still may the finest basketball player and athlete to come from that traditionally strong athletic high school.
Through the Utah High School Activities Association, I appreciated and admired his greatness as a basketball official- a Hall of Fame induction for his efforts.
Years later in retirement we were great friends of Joe and Deanna at Panguitch Lake and the LDS branch there.
We loved the Worthen’s and their fun family. Our very best to all the kids and grandchildren. You have a wonderful legacy in Joe and Deanna. Our most sincere condolences.
Love, Evan and Nicki Excell
Mark Kershaw says
August 19, 2024 at 11:42 pmHis impact on Payson is indelible and was such a great example of service and kindness. Going to miss him!
Lamon and Judy Spencer Family says
August 20, 2024 at 3:24 amOur thoughts and prayers are with the Worthen family. Joe was a great guy.
God Bless
Karissa Brown says
August 20, 2024 at 4:35 amWhere do I even begin with this sweet man.. The first time we met Joe he told us a lady died in our basement and we learned he had a good sense of when he smiled and giggled saying “I probably shouldn’t have told you that huh?” Joe quickly became papa Joe in our home after he lovingly put an opening in his fence for Bo to come and go as he pleased. Bo looked forward to his daily visits with Joe that always ended with a popsicle. Soon Henly started to follow behind. From jumping on the trampoline, “Bronc riding” on the horse, and playing store in the playhouse Joe took us in with open arms. His calls to check up on us in the winter were not taken for granted. There were many times I would look out the window in the mornings and find Joe plowing our driveway after a snowstorm. He became a place of comfort and peace for our family. My heart is a little broken I didn’t get to sit with him one last time to share how much he helped me over the years. When my kids were driving me crazy, he taught me to slow down and look for the good in them. He was sometimes the only person there for me through some of the darkest times in my life. He listened. He cried with me. We laughed together. He taught me so many things through his stories. And something that will stick with me the most is watching him love and care for Deanna.
We are so grateful for the time that we had with Joe on this earth. Gonna miss you Papa Joe, you were one of the good ones🤎
Craig Hone says
August 20, 2024 at 4:59 amCoach Worthen. What an example, friend, mentor and just a great person. Many of the lessons you taught me carried me through my career and life long experiences. Thanks Coach
Wendy Osborne says
August 20, 2024 at 11:35 amI knew Joe as one of “the gang” that came to Tabitha’s Way to volunteer. What I knew of Joe was he was hard working and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was always smiling and he had a way of cheering up everyone around him. Reading all of these beautiful stories about him, its easy to see that his heart was even bigger than his tall frame. Saying he was one of the good ones and that he had a life well lived is most definitely true. It was an honor to have spent some time with him. Though I know he is glad to be reunited with Deanna and a few of gang, we will miss him here. Sending prayers of comfort to the Worthen family and friends.
Melissa Wiley says
August 20, 2024 at 1:25 pmOh Mr. Worthen. You were my favorite math teacher… Thanks for the great times we had in your class. You were always one of the best.. Sending prayers to the family.
Melissa HIskey
Mike Davis says
August 20, 2024 at 2:11 pmGreat man and great Teacher! Always gave his best.
Gina Gasser Jordan says
August 20, 2024 at 7:12 pmI always enjoyed Mr. Worthen’s kindness and humor. Great friend of our family. Sending love to the family.
Jeffrey & Margaret Cooper says
August 20, 2024 at 8:31 pmJoe Warren was a tremendous example and friend and mentor for me from my early days as a young boy in our ward and neighborhood. Throughout my teenager years and into adulthood he was such such a kind and generous person. I was struggling with math in school as a young man and he offered to tutor me personally at his home, it was such a kind and generous thing of him to do. I love him and his lovely wife. They Are some of the great souls of the Earth.
Jennifer Bridges says
August 21, 2024 at 3:31 amAlways a smile & kind words. I looked forward to seeing him up at Panguitch Lake. He made the world a better place.
TRACY MELLOR says
August 21, 2024 at 5:48 pmMy memories of Joe and Deannna were of them comeing to New Castle to hunt deer with my Dad Floyd Taylor. Joe was a big tease and always happy. I’m glad hes reunited with Deanna. love Randy and Tracy Mellor
Susan Griener Hawkes says
August 21, 2024 at 6:34 pmA very lovely service. You all are so loved. Wish we could have been there in person. Your Mim, Dad and family are so dear to us. Love, Susan and Mike Hawkes
Jim and Callie Guynn says
August 21, 2024 at 10:13 pmBishop, Coach, Firefighter Worthen, while we are sorry to hear this news we can only think of the glorious reunion for you and your lovely Deanna! Wer are so grateful for all you have done for our family! From serving as our bishop for many years to your help in Little League Baseball to pouring our driveway. There truly are few men like you!
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