John Leverett

JOHN LEVERETT IDAHO FALLS, ID -- John Neal Leverett, 56, died March 18, 2004, at his home in Idaho Falls. He was born November 26, 1947, in Hayden, Colorado, the second son of Clifford Raymond Leverett and Willadine Martha Dillon Leverett. John grew up in Wyoming and attended schools there but graduated from high school in Elk Grove, California. John loved music and excelled at the trombone. A competitive young man, he and his best friend constantly challenged one another for first chair in the band. John also enjoyed singing and was a member of several choirs. John's initial interest in medicine was sparked by the kindness and care the medical and rehabilitation staff gave his brother, C.R., after a serious car accident. As a result, he joined the Navy and became a medical corpsman, achieving the rank of Petty Officer. While at DaNang in Vietnam, he was awarded a Navy Commendation medal for performing emergency triage for over 650 injured military personnel in one week and saving over half of them. He later was a Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Reserve. After leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Wyoming and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. He initially worked as a registered nurse in Spokane, Washington. In 1978, he attended Wellesley School of Anesthesia in Wichita, KS, and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. He then came to Idaho Falls and worked with Intermountain Anesthesia Services at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. In 2003, he joined Anesthesia Associates at Deaconess Medical Center, Spokane, Washington. A constant interest throughout John's adult life was the restoration and showing of classic cars. John and his brother, C.R., won many trophies and prizes for their vehicles. At the time of his death, he owned a 1962 Chrysler 300 and was restoring a 1970 Buick Skylark. On March 13, 2002, he married Mary Waight in Maui, Hawaii. He and Mary celebrated their second anniversary with their family before he died. John is survived by his wife, Mary Waight Leverett, of Idaho Falls, his mother, Willadine Leverett, Billings, MT, two daughters, Allison Leverett, Spokane, WA, and Amy Leverett, Helena, MT, a stepdaughter, Anne Chapman of Washington, D.C., his brother, C.R. (Josie) Leverett, Billings, MT, and two grandchildren, Taylor James and Samantha Elizabeth McMillan, Spokane, WA. He is also survived by three fine pug dogs, Liza, Rascal, and Tinkerbell. A brief memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2004, at Wood East Side Chapel, 963 South Ammon Road. The Reverend Thom Larson of Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. In accordance with John's wishes, cremation will take place after the memorial service.