Jerald Richard Maughan, lovingly known as Jed, passed away in the early morning hours of February 8th 2026 in Tempe, Arizona.

 

He was born in Santa Ana, California and grew up the oldest of four children. He spent his early years living in Italy and all across the United States with his parents and siblings while his dad was in the military and stationed overseas.  As a youth, he enjoyed soccer, surfing and karate. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bogota, Columbia and used the language skills he acquired during that time through the remainder of his life, often stating that he dreamed in Spanish still.

 

In 1982, he married Annette Crockett in Mesa, Arizona, and was sealed for all of eternity to her in the temple there. Together, they had seven children, one daughter and six sons, and his family grew to include several bonus daughters and 13 grandchildren.

 

He was a dedicated geologist and mine-planning engineer and his love of rocks, minerals and all things “dirt” is a love he has passed on to many of his posterity. He worked in South America for many years, and thoroughly enjoyed his associations with his coworkers and the members of his church that he gained through his travels, and he was loved and respected by many all over the world.

 

He loved photography, sci-fi movies, family history and spending time with his loved ones. He had a deep testimony of Jesus Christ as his Redeemer and Savior, and of the restoration of His church on the earth. He is survived by his wife, seven children, thirteen grandchildren, his two brothers, his sister and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, and we are sure the reunion between them was joyous.

 

A visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

1521 E Bella Vista Rd., San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 at 9:00am. Funeral services will begin at 10:00am with the graveside service to follow at San Tan Memorial Gardens at 11:30am located at 22425 E Cloud Dr. Queen Creek, AZ 85142.