Austin Preece McNaughton Jr.

April 30, 1944 – April 6, 2026

Austin Preece McNaughton Jr., 81, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, surrounded by those who love him.

He was born on April 30, 1944, in Altadena, California, to Austin and Lorraine McNaughton, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Gloria McCauley, Nancy Garrett, his brother Mark McNaughton, and his son, Clayton Scott McNaughton.

Austin attended Brigham Young University, where he played football from 1962 to 1965. His passion for athletics carried into a distinguished career in coaching. He coached at Westwood High School and Mesa High School in Arizona. He achieved great success as a track coach, leading his teams to two state championships. In recognition of his contributions to athletics, he was inducted into the Mesa City Sports Hall of Fame. After a move to Utah he became the head football coach at Mountain View High School.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Austin lived a life of faith and service. He faithfully served a six-year service mission at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square and also contributed his time in service at BYU Legacy Hall. He found great joy in spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and embracing the spirit of the American West.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara McNaughton; his children: Jon McNaughton,(Tammy), Bethany Sinks (Todd), and Jordan McNaughton (Mila); 15 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. His legacy of strength, kindness, and dedication to family will continue to live on through them.

Funeral services will be held in Orem, Utah. A viewing will take place on Friday, April 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker-Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North. A second viewing will be held on Saturday, April 11, at the LDS Stake Center, 95 North 600 West, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Mapleton Cemetery.

Austin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.