Called by Joseph Fielding Smith

Joseph Fielding Smith was the grandson of Hyrum Smith, killed 134 years before Joseph became prophet. Joseph was the oldest to ever assume the office of President of the LDS Church, at age 93. Despite his advanced age he was able to travel the world and speak at every General Conference.

First Presidency in 1970:
Joseph Fielding Smith
Harold B. Lee
N. Eldon Tanner

Quorum of the Twelve in 1970:
Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson,
Mark E. Petersen, Delbert L. Stapley,
Marion G. Romney, LeGrand Richards,
Richard L. Evans, Hugh B. Brown,
Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley,
Thomas S. Monson...

Called to be Apostles by Joseph Fielding Smith:
Boyd K. Packer, Marvin J. Ashton

BOYD K. PACKER
(September 10, 1924 - )

Apostle - April 9, 1970
President of Q12 - February 3, 2008

Packer was a pilot in the US Air Force, and he flew many bombing missions in the Pacific during World War II. After the war he married his wife Donna and they had 10 children together. He became a teacher, and he worked his way up the Church Educational System.

He was only 45 when David O. McKay died and Pres. Smith called him to be an Apostle.

He acted as an advisor to the Genesis Group before and after the 1978 lifting of the priesthood ban. He was fourth in seniority when Pres. Hunter became prophet, but he was Acting President of the Q12 since the other three were all in the First Presidency.

He drew controversy in the 1980's when he cautioned LDS historians to not promote history which would harm the Church. He's generally seen as one of the Q12's more hardline Apostles. Most of the September Six who were excommunicated in 1993 have said they believe Packer was instrumental in chasing them out of the church.

His health has been in decline, and although he hasn't been able to stand at General Conference for a few years now, his mind is fine and he can still speak at every one. He turned 90 earlier this month, and if Pres. Monson died today, Packer would be in line as the next prophet.

MARVIN J. ASHTON
(May 6, 1915 - February 25, 1994)

Apostle - December 2, 1971

Ashton was the son of a general authority, born and raised in Salt Lake City. He served a mission in Great Britain, and Hugh B. Brown was his president.

He worked in several business, including Deseret Book, and he served four years in the Utah Senate. He was an assistant to the Q12 for two years before he was called to be an Apostle upon the death of Richard L. Evans.

He was known to speak up for the poor and downtrodden. He managed the Church Social Services. He died from illness at age 78.