John Wayne Wiltbank

December 5, 1939 – January 15, 2022

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John Wayne Wiltbank, at 82 years old, passed from this earth on January 15, 2022 at his home in Mesa, AZ with his wife, Cookie, and friend, Amy, by his side.

Johnny was born in Houston, Texas on December 5, 1939. He and his two younger sisters, Margaret and Eileen, were cared for by their grandparents, Ward and Orie Hayne, in Glenwood, NM during their early years.

He was adopted by Milo and Mae Wiltbank and their family Bob, James, Betsy, and Eula when Johnny was 8 years old. He loved his parents and siblings as well as the large extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts,  nephews, nieces, and cousins. Johnny grew in strength and wisdom in their loving home.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Western Canada after graduating from high school.

Johnny enlisted in the United States Navy after his mission, and dedicated over 20 years to the U.S. military having served in the Navy Reserve, National Guard, and Air Force Reserve after his discharge from the U.S. Navy.

He married Mary Lou Barton in Long Beach, CA February 25, 1968. They had two children, Dawn Dorine Wiltbank and Ian Wayne Wiltbank while living in Eagar, AZ. They divorced in 1974.

Johnny moved to Mesa, AZ in 1975 to help his mother, Mae, after his father, Milo, passed away.

He married Gertrude “Cookie” Cassel in 1986. They enjoyed their little home and busy life in Mesa while he worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Johnny was a hardworking, kind man and will be missed by his friends and neighbors, but especially his family; his wife Cookie, his sisters, Margaret and Eileen, his daughter Dawn, his son Ian and wife Susan,  his grandchildren; Ian Edinger with family Kat, Aiden and Emma; Kayetlyn Edinger, Ethan Edinger, Hayden Edinger, Trevin Edinger, Avalon Edinger, Gwendellyn Edinger, Skylor Wiltbank and husband Matt, Jordan Wiltbank and daughter Nevaeh, as well as Johnny’s many nieces and nephews and cousins.

There are many things to be remembered about Johnny, but most importantly is that he was dedicated to serving God, Country, and his fellowman.

There will be a viewing Thursday, January 27, 2022, beginning at 9:00 am followed by the funeral at 10:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, AZ 85204. Burial will take place at noon Friday, January 28, 2022 at Eagar Cemetery in Eagar, Arizona.