Graydon Stoker Holt was born November 30, 1906 in Bountiful at the home of his grandparents, David Stoker, Jr. and Regena Hogan in Bountiful, Davis County, Utah. His parents, George Edward Holt and Evaline Stoker, resided in Clearfield, Davis County, Utah. Graydon was the fifth of ten children. His siblings include: Therus Stoker, George Harold, Lawrence William, Ellot David, Matthew Stoker, Evelyn, Allen Stoker, Lloyd Stoker, and Robert John.
Graydon was baptized into the church on October 10, 1915 by Marion J. Steed and confirmed by Horace Wells Clark on the same day.
One early memory of Graydon’s was when he was about three of four. He remembered playing marbles with his brothers: Therus, Harold, Ellot, and Lawrence. They would shoot their marbles on the floor of the old frame house they were currently living in. The marbles would sometimes fall down between the floor boards and the boys would go outside and try to dig under the house to retrieve the marbles.
Another early memory was at Christmas. Graydon remembered that his mother made wonderful candy for the holiday season. He recalled hiding behind the family piano and sneaking the candy to eat.
A family friend, Jesse Barlow, remembered the time he was standing under a cherry tree in the Holt yard. He began to Graydon as a young manbe pelted with cherry pits and it took him a minute or two to realize that some of the Holt boys, including Graydon, were up in that tree spitting pits down on his head!
Graydon and a couple of his brothers were out especially late one evening and were trying to quietly slip past their parents’ bedroom to go upstairs to their room. Graydon wouldn’t turn on the lights and therefore went right over the top of a chair making such a racket that George jumped up to see what was going on. Graydon said he “really got it then.”
Graydon also remembered that it was cold in the upstairs bedrooms in the Holt home. Often the boys would sleep three or four to a bed in order to keep warm.
Fun and entertainment was of their own makings when Graydon was young. He remembers picnicking up Weber Canyon on ward outings as well as other celebrations.
Another memory that Graydon had was of the flu epidemic of 1919. Everyone in the family was extremely ill. He was the only one who didn’t get sick. He remembered having to do all the farming until the family recovered.
One of his fond memories was of playing baseball in the field in back of his parents home. Every Sunday afternoon, particularly, the boys would play ball. Graydon’s favorite positions were centerfield or first base. He continued to play baseball well into his adult years as he played on city leagues.
Graydon was schooled locally during his elementary years and attended Davis High School where he came close to graduation, but the farm needed his attention and so he never obtained his high school diploma.
When Graydon was twenty-one, his bishop, Bishop Jacobs came up to his home just before Christmas to issue a Graydon’s missionary picturecall to him to serve a mission for the church. It took Graydon’s father a while to think about letting Graydon go as he was the one who helped so much on the farm. Finally, George told Graydon to get ready and go on his mission. Graydon had $1200 in the bank from his ten years of farming and this money supported him while he was in New York on his mission.
While on his mission, Graydon’s sister, Evelyn, died. Graydon remembered being in Philadelphia attending a mission conference. He said so many elders were there that they were sleeping three to a bed. He was in the middle of the bed with an elder on each side of him when about midnight he had a dream. He dreamed that he was home walking through his house. His mother was in the living room and in the parlor, he could see a casket – but he couldn’t see who was in it. Graydon woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. It was that very hour that his sister was taken to the hospital gravely ill.
Evelyn Holt’s funeral (the only sister) #
The next morning Graydon and his companion were sent up to Allentown. They found a place to stay and Graydon wrote a letter home asking if everything was all right. Graydon told his mission president about his dream and the president told him it was a warning to him. When Graydon next wrote to his mission president asking for a new clergy book, the president brought it to him in Allentown. Graydon had received a telegram telling him of his sister’s hospitalization. Graydon immediately found the train schedules and made arrangements to return home. The president stayed with Graydon and his companion. About two a.m., Graydon received a second telegram telling him that Evelyn had died. If Graydon had not made reservations the day before, he could not have gotten home in time for the funeral.
When Graydon was twenty-one, his bishop, Bishop Jacobs came up to his home just before Christmas to issue a Graydon’s missionary picturecall to him to serve a mission for the church. It took Graydon’s father a while to think about letting Graydon go as he was the one who helped so much on the farm. Finally, George told Graydon to get ready and go on his mission. Graydon had $1200 in the bank from his ten years of farming and this money supported him while he was in New York on his mission.
While on his mission, Graydon’s sister, Evelyn, died. Graydon remembered being in Philadelphia attending a mission conference. He said so many elders were there that they were sleeping three to a bed. He was in the middle of the bed with an elder on each side of him when about midnight he had a dream. He dreamed that he was home walking through his house. His mother was in the living room and in the parlor, he could see a casket – but he couldn’t see who was in it. Graydon woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. It was that very hour that his sister was taken to the hospital gravely ill.
Evelyn Holt’s funeral (the only sister) #
The next morning Graydon and his companion were sent up to Allentown. They found a place to stay and Graydon wrote a letter home asking if everything was all right. Graydon told his mission president about his dream and the president told him it was a warning to him. When Graydon next wrote to his mission president asking for a new clergy book, the president brought it to him in Allentown. Graydon had received a telegram telling him of his sister’s hospitalization. Graydon immediately found the train schedules and made arrangements to return home. The president stayed with Graydon and his companion. About two a.m., Graydon received a second telegram telling him that Evelyn had died. If Graydon had not made reservations the day before, he could not have gotten home in time for the funeral.
After the funeral, George asked Graydon to remain at home to help with the farming and not complete his mission. He did so.
Graydon met Ethel Dora Bates on April 19, 1930 at a dance at “White City” (a dance hall) on 24th Street in Ogden. Once Graydon found Ethel, he quickly tired of the dating game and decided it was time to get married and settle down. He was always a “no nonsense man,” Ethel commented. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple December 22, 1930.
They lived for a short time after their marriage with Graydon’s parents, George and Evaline Holt. Ethel’s father and brother helped build their first house in Clearfield – which today is Syracuse. They had a farm with rich land but when WWII broke out, their land was confiscated for the war effort and they were given a very short time to move out. They lived in Layton for six months until their home was moved to Clearfield and when the lights and water were hooked up, they moved back into their home in its new location.
Graydon & Ethel’s home on the farm in Clearfield – (the boundaries have since changed and the land and home would now be in Syracuse.)
Graydon & Ethel’s home in Layton #
After another six or seven years, Graydon bought a farm in Layton (where he had been farming the land in the interim) and built a new house for the family. Ethel and Graydon lived in this house until his death.
Graydon’s children were a joy to him. Norine was born March 20, 1932 followed by Marilyn who was born September 2, 1935 and Dora Ann who was born June 25, 1938. Seven years later Ruth Bates was born July 20, 1945 and Paul Graydon was born July 9, 1949.
Graydon farmed and raised cattle until his retirement in his seventies. He raised tomatoes, sweet and field corn, sugar beets, alfalfa, and many other crops during his long career as a farmer, both in the Clearfield and the Layton area. His greatest love was the buying, raising, and selling of his cattle. His daughter, Marilyn, recalls moving a lot of cattle from field to field. It was a fun adventure as she would ride Lady (a pinto horse), the tractor, or in the car with Ethel. Graydon had his cows so well trained that they would follow him anywhere. He would saddle up his horse, Lucky, and make a tour of the field to bunch the cattle and then he would open the gate and lead the herd to the field where he wanted them – sometimes up to the “sand hills.” Ethel and one of the daughters would always follow in the car at the rear just to keep them bunched and moving. There were never any major problems with break aways as those cattle just knew Graydon and he understood them.
Graydon’s children were a joy to him. Norine was born March 20, 1932 followed by Marilyn who was born September 2, 1935 and Dora Ann who was born June 25, 1938. Seven years later Ruth Bates was born July 20, 1945 and Paul Graydon was born July 9, 1949.
Graydon farmed and raised cattle until his retirement in his seventies. He raised tomatoes, sweet and field corn, sugar beets, alfalfa, and many other crops during his long career as a farmer, both in the Clearfield and the Layton area. His greatest love was the buying, raising, and selling of his cattle. His daughter, Marilyn, recalls moving a lot of cattle from field to field. It was a fun adventure as she would ride Lady (a pinto horse), the tractor, or in the car with Ethel. Graydon had his cows so well trained that they would follow him anywhere. He would saddle up his horse, Lucky, and make a tour of the field to bunch the cattle and then he would open the gate and lead the herd to the field where he wanted them – sometimes up to the “sand hills.” Ethel and one of the daughters would always follow in the car at the rear just to keep them bunched and moving. There were never any major problems with break aways as those cattle just knew Graydon and he understood them.
Graydon had trouble communicating with the migrant workers who came in to pick tomatoes, beans, peas, beets, etc., so Marilyn learned enough Spanish to talk with them. It was her duty to weigh all the crates and watch for dirt clods in the bottom of the boxes. If Graydon found any clods then Marilyn was in trouble. Graydon demanded honesty in work and play. Marilyn and Ethel were the paymasters so accuracy was very necessary.
While involved with the farm, Graydon bought a lottery ticket for a horse. He won and Lucky, a beautiful palomino, was the prize. Graydon rode Lucky and was part of the Davis County Sheriff’s Posse for many years.
Because farm life is a demanding schedule, the older daughters remember getting up at 5:00 a.m. to help with a load of hay, tomatoes, or corn before they left for school. Graydon was also well known for his straight rows of corn or any of his row crops Graydon & Lucky as members of the Davis County Sheriff’s Posseand he taught Marilyn how to “cut” a straight row. She has inherited his love of this look and she and her neighbors appreciate the straight rows she plants.
Each of Graydon’s four daughters had the opportunity of attending Davis High School’s “Daddy-Daughter Dance.” They each learned what a good dancer their father was and what a great sense of humor he had. They cherished the flowers he purchased for them. Graydon was always so proud of his daughter’s accomplishments. He rarely refused any request they made. He left most of the discipline to Ethel because he could not refuse his children anything.
Graydon was not the best communicator. But his silence, broad grin, and smile told his children how much he loved them. He taught his children by his actions rather than by his words. He always took his family to church where he would bear his unshakeable testimony with great emotion.
Graydon was known for his honesty and truthfulness. A handshake and a promise were always a commitment and bond of trust with him. On more than one occasion as he needed to borrow money from the bank, the agreement was finished with a handshake rather than a signed paper.
The farm land was eventually sold and is now fully developed (Holt Subdivision where some of the streets were named for his children). Graydon also built a bowling alley, Davis Lanes, and laundry, Sno-White Laundry, on his former farm land which he operated for ten years. The businesses were sold when he and Ethel were called to serve in the Salt Lake Temple.
One of Graydon’s favorite past times was fishing. He loved the out-of-doors and especially favored Flaming Gorge. He purchased a little travel trailer and spent many happy hours fishing wiGraydon Stoker Holtth his grandsons and sons-in-law.
Graydon was elected Clearfield City Councilman for four years on November 8, 1949. He fulfilled his duties admirably.
Graydon also worked with the Farmers Coop for many years.
Graydon was ordained a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood on March 5, 1923 by David Layton; ordained a Priest on March 31, 1924 by David Stoker; ordained an Elder on June 6, 1927 by William Delbert Criddle; ordained a Seventy by Bruce R. McConkie on May 12, 1948; ordained a High Priest by John A. Baker on March 24, 1968.
Graydon served in many positions in the church. From Sunday School Superintendent to Boy Scout Master to High Priest Group Leader to Salt Lake Temple Ordinance worker. He was called to the Eastern States Mission and received his Minister’s Certificate dated January 29, 1929 and signed by Heber J. Grant. He received an honorable release on December 31, 1930 by the Eastern States Mission President, James N. Moyle. He served as Scoutmaster during the 8th year of Troop No. 151 of Clearfield, Utah, 1931. He was called to be Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Layton 10th Ward on April 12, 1959 by Bishop Wendell D. Leavitt and released November 19, 1961. He was set apart to be an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple on November 22, 1968 and received an honorable release on December 1, 1971. He was set apart to be an ordinance worker in January 1972 in the Ogden Temple. Of all the callings in the church, being called as a sealer in the Ogden Temple on May 29, 1973 by President Harold B. Lee was the highlight of his life. He and Ethel met with President Harold B. Lee who called them to their positions in the newly finished temple. While serving in this position, Graydon had the opportunity to perform the marriage ceremony for two of his grandchildren (David Moss & Ronald Moss). Graydon served in this position for about ten years until his release in April 1, 1983 after his first stroke took place. Strokes would eventually take his life.
Graydon slipped peacefully into the next world while surrounded by his family in his own home on January 1, 1987 in Layton, Davis County, Utah and is buried in the Syracuse City Cemetery where his parents and siblings are also buried.
Graydon’s Ordinances
Blessed: 3 March 1907 by David Cook Sr.
Baptized: 10 October 1915 in the Woods Cross Road Canal in Clearfield, Utah by Marion J. Steed
Confirmed: 10 October 1915 by Horace Wells Clark
Ordained a Deacon: 23 November 1919 by George H. Draper
Ordained a Teacher: 5 March 1923 by David Layton
Ordained a Priest: 31 March 1924 by David Stoker
Ordained an Elder: 6 June 1927 by William D. Criddle
Ordained a Seventy: 12 May 1948 by Bruce R. McConkie
Ordained a High Priest: 24 March 1968 by John A. Baker
Served Mission: Set apart by Joseph Fielding Smith, Eastern States Mission, 29 January 1929-23 January 1930 (came home early to attend the funeral of his sister).
Set apart as a temple worker: 22 November 1968 by President Boyer of Salt Lake Temple
Released as temple worker: 24 November 1971
Set apart as a temple worker: January 1971, Ogden Utah Temple
Set apart as a sealer: 29 May 1973 by Harold B. Lee of Ogden Utah Temple
Line of Authority of Graydon S. Holt
Graydon Holt was ordained a High Priest by John A. Baker on March 24, 1968.
• John A. Baker who was ordained a High Priest April 1, 1953 by
• George Q. Morris who was ordained a High Priest March 8, 1908 by
• Rudger Clawson who was ordained an Apostle October 10, 1898 by
• Lorenzo Snow who was ordained an Apostle February 12, 1849 by
• Heber C. Kimball who was ordained an Apostle Feb. 14, 1835 under the hands of the three witnesses, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris who were blessed by the laying on of hands of the first presidency, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Fredrick Williams to choose and ordain the twelve apostles (D.&C. 18:37; History of the Church, Vol. 2, pp. 187 -188) after which the presidency laid their hands upon them and confirmed their blessings and ordinations (Times & Season, Vol. 6, pg 868)
• Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Melchizedek Priesthood in 1829 from
• Peter, James & John who were Apostles and Angelic Ministers of the Lord
• Jesus Christ who chose and ordained them. (John 15:16).
Graydon S. Holt
Obituary in the Deseret News, January 3, 1987
Layton, Utah – Graydon Stoker Holt, 80, died Thursday, January 1, 1987 at his home of natural causes.
He was born November 30, 1906 in Syracuse, a son of George Edward and Evaline Stoker Holt. He married Ethel Bates December 22, 1930, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He served an LDS Mission in the Eastern States. He was MIA and Sunday School superintendent and High Priest group leader. For eight years he was an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake and Ogden Temples, and a sealer in the Ogden Temple for seven years. He was active in the Scouting organization, serving as an executive in the Lake Bonneville Council, and as a ward scoutmaster. For several years, he worked on the Old Folks Committee, and was a Clearfield City councilman. He rode for many years with the Davis County Sheriff’s Posse. He was educated in Davis County and lived in Clearfield for 45 years, and in Layton for 35. He was a successful farmer, cattleman and businessman. His 80 acres of farmland now comprise the whole [Holt] subdivision and various businesses.
Surviving are: His widow, Layton; four daughters, one son, Mrs. Stanley D. (Norine) Moss, and Mrs. Paul E. (Ruth) Barker, both Kaysville; Mrs. Stevan N. (Marilyn) Tanner, North Dakota; Mrs. Jerry L. (Dora Ann) Stevenson, Roy; and Paul G. Holt, Alpine; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Lloyd S. Holt, Roy.
Services will be held Monday, 1 p.m. , at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1074 No. Fairfield Road. Friends may call at the mortuary Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from noon until 12:45 p.m. Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.
History written by Ruth H. Barker, daughter
Sources: Family Records in the possession of Ruth H. Barker
