10/13/2025
Arthur Grant Christean Jr.
1935 ~ 2025
Arthur Grant Christean, Jr. a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and steadfast member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 10 October 2025 in his Cedar Hills, Utah home. He joins his cherished wife of 61 years, Nelda Bohon Christean, who preceded him in death four months earlier on June 5, 2025.
Born on March 31, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Arthur lived a life of faith, family devotion, and professional accomplishments that in his own words, were “against the odds.” He leaves an enduring legacy to his descendants. One that demonstrates the power of striving to align one’s life to the core principles of the Christ’s gospel, while exemplifying the power of devotion, ambition, scholarship, fidelity, and generosity. Arthur showed the importance of looking and planning forward in life, not backward. Throughout all stages of his life, he engaged himself in worthwhile pursuits of personal study, reflection, and clarity of thought. Arthur’s life was centered on his faith, his wife and family, and the application of scholarship in his professional and personal interests. He was a lifelong student of history, with a special interest in things pertaining to the rise of Christianity, western culture, western law, and history of the movie industry in forming cultural messaging, perspective, and impact.
He and Nelda raised four children—Tanya Christean (Will Pliler), Debra (Bradley) Christean Bates, Allan (Amy) Arthur Christean, and Evan (Amy) Blaine Christean. As grandpa to twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, he loved to share his passions whenever possible. In later years those passions were focused on ancient coins that show, in the palm of your hand, the rise of Christianity. He nurtured his family with a never-ending willingness to share historical narratives, past adventures, and a quiet unwavering support.
As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Arthur served in numerous callings including High Priest’s Group Leader, Bishopric Counselor, Stake High Counselor, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Together with Nelda, he served as a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple for five years and as a volunteer in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
They served a full-time mission in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission from 2004 to 2006. Upon returning, they served as Guest Services Missionaries on Temple Square for three years and volunteered two days a week at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Arthur’s testimony and service blessed countless lives, reflecting his commitment to the Savior and His gospel.
Arthur’s professional life was equally distinguished. After graduating from East High School in 1953 he earned three degrees from the University of Utah: a BS in History (1959), a JD in Law (1960), and an MSW in Social Work (1968). His academic achievements were honored with the Bancroft Whitney Book Award for Scholarship and the Blanche Scowcroft Willey Award from Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. After serving as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force, including active duty in Dover, Delaware, and Morocco, Arthur returned to Utah. He held roles as Administrator of the Utah State Juvenile Court, Deputy Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, and Deputy State Court Administrator.
In 1978, Arthur was appointed to the bench, serving as a judge in the Fifth Circuit Court and later the Third District Juvenile Court until 1997, totaling 20 years of judicial service in Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele Counties. He authored the original Utah Circuit Court Act of 1977 and wrote extensively on juvenile justice, including his notable work, The Noble Quest: The Story of the Juvenile Court in Utah. He served as a Senior Judge from 1997 to 2008 while contributing as a faculty advisor for the National Judicial College and a member of the Sutherland Institute’s Board of Scholars.
Arthur lived and raised his family in Salt Lake County for 35 years before moving to American Fork in 2003 and finally Cedar Hills in 2014.
He is survived by his four children, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a community enriched by his service and contributions.
Funeral Services for Arthur will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Cedar Hills 10th Ward Chapel, located at 9737 Chesterfield Drive Cedar Hills, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com
