Robert Dee Morrey

Born on March 21, 1940, in Joseph, Utah, to Charles Robert Morrey and Faunda Mae Mickelsen Morrey, Bob was raised in a close-knit family and community that shaped the values he carried throughout his life: faith, hard work, service, loyalty, and love for family.

Bob grew up in Joseph alongside his sister, Karen, and brothers, Michael, David, and Rex. Family and friends often recalled the adventures of the “4 R’s”—Russel, Robert W., Richard, and R.D.—whose childhood escapades created memories that would be shared and treasured for decades. Bob and his sister Karen were especially close during their younger years and remained devoted siblings throughout their lives.

Bob loved his years at South Sevier High School. He served as a student body officer and as a student assistant for the basketball program. He especially enjoyed playing baseball and church ball and formed many lifelong friendships during those years. Growing up on the family farm, he worked alongside his father raising potatoes, sugar beets, and hay. He also spent many hours attending livestock auctions, buying and selling cattle and pigs with his dad.

Bob faithfully served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Minnesota. Following his mission, he served his country in the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Ord, California, he was assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where he worked with some of the earliest computer systems of the era. Though he had never used a computer before entering the military, he embraced the assignment and proudly served for two years.

After his military service, Bob spent time in Provo helping his brother Michael and sister-in-law Anne manage a motel. During that time, he developed a special friendship with their young son, Christopher, and the two became quite the buddies.

Bob also spent many years driving truck with his father, hauling produce and livestock throughout the western United States. Together they traveled countless miles, working side-by-side and building a bond that would remain one of the defining relationships of his life.

Bob later went to work for Savage Brothers, where he dedicated more than fifty years of service. A longtime friend and coworker described Bob as “more than a coworker—he was a lifelong friend and a cornerstone of our family business.” Whether driving a truck, operating heavy equipment, leading a crew, solving difficult problems, or helping customers, Bob approached every task with skill, humility, and determination. He was the person everyone called when something needed to be done right. His loyalty, dedication, and steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Family was at the center of Bob’s life. Some of his children’s fondest memories were the annual trips he took with them to Richfield, Utah, to visit and care for the graves of his parents. Those trips became treasured family traditions. After tending to the graves, the days were filled with chasing lizards, playing games, visiting the places where Bob had grown up, and spending time with his siblings and cousins. Year after year, his children looked forward to those special days with their dad and the memories they created together.

Bob also knew how to have fun. One unforgettable family trip took them to Disneyland, where he spent a day riding attractions with his older children, including repeated trips on Space Mountain. Keeping up with them every step of the way, Bob embraced the excitement with the enthusiasm of a kid himself, creating memories that would be cherished for a lifetime.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a remarkable ability to remember the details of their lives. Whether it was school, sports, performances, work, or personal accomplishments, Bob listened carefully and would always follow up the next time he saw them. He made each grandchild feel seen, valued, loved, and important. He attended every event he could, always eager to support and encourage them. His grandchildren knew they could count on his unconditional love, genuine interest, and unwavering pride in who they were. Each of them carries with them the certainty that Grandpa loved them deeply.

In his first marriage to Sharon Hancock, Bob was blessed with six children: Dana, Kristy, Steven, Jeffrey, Derek, and Kari.

Bob later married his beloved wife, Vera Heron Morrey, and together they shared nearly twenty years of marriage. He treasured the life they built together and the love, companionship, and memories they shared.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Robert Morrey and Faunda Mae Mickelsen Morrey; his grandson, John William Gardiner; and his granddaughter, Carli Jean Daley.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Vera Heron Morrey; his children, Dana Robert Morrey (Donni), Kristy Dee McMurray (Ian), Steven Kirk Morrey (Bonnie), Jeffrey Joseph Morrey (Laura), Derek Spencer Morrey (Helen), and Kari Rebecca Gardiner (Wade); his stepchildren, Brian Johnston and Kevin Johnston (Lacey); his grandchildren, Hayden Morrey, Emma Morrey, Erica Morrey, Scott McMurray, Toby McMurray, Alyson McMurray, Fiona McMurray, Jaden Daley, Keslie Morrey, Seattle Morrey, Brayden Morrey, Conner Morrey, Kyle Morrey, Samantha Harding, Jack Morrey, Adell Gardiner, Hannah Gardiner, Mia Gardiner, Richard Cael Gardiner, Conner Johnston, Deacon Johnston, and Kylie Johnston; his great-grandchildren, Indy Reign Mecham, Lainey Jean Mecham, and Evelyn Lou Harding; his sister, Karen Gleave; and his brothers, Michael Morrey (Anne), David Morrey (Jess), and Rex Morrey (Ruth).

Bob’s legacy of faith, service, friendship, hard work, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12173 South 4000 West, Riverton, Utah 84096. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service.