Robert E Davis

Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Robert E. Davis (Bob) passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 11, 2026, in his hometown of Heber City, Utah, at the age of 87.

Bob was born on February 9, 1939, in Wallsburg, Utah, to Elden Robert and Nola Sabey Davis. As the oldest of five brothers, he grew up enjoying the outdoors, where hunting and fishing became lifelong passions. He cherished living near his grandparents and great-grandparents and reminisced about family gatherings and potato roasts on the hill behind their homes.

At the age of seven, Bob’s family moved to Heber City, where he quickly became involved in school and community life. He participated in football and basketball and especially enjoyed attending the many high school dances. He graduated from Wasatch High School in 1957 before continuing his education at Dixie Junior College and Utah State University.

In 1958, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Merle Duke, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned 68 years. Together they built a wonderful life, raising five children and many horses. Over the years, Bob owned as many as 14 broodmares and two stallions and competed successfully with both show and race horses. One of his prized show horses earned Second Place in Halter at the World Show in Oklahoma. He also loved the excitement and camaraderie of competitive chariot racing.

Bob and his family worked side-by-side to build their home on Mill Road, creating not only a house but a lifetime of memories. He took great pride in supporting his children in their many sporting events, rodeos, and other activities, always cheering them on from the sidelines.

Throughout his career, Bob wore many hats. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Safeway Stores, and as a surveyor for the Bureau of Reclamation and United Park City Mines. He later enjoyed careers in sales with Powder River, W.W. Livestock, and Simplot before becoming a real estate appraiser and agent. A talented farrier, Bob also operated a successful side business shoeing horses throughout the valley.

Bob found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved reading Western novels, sipping Diet Coke, enjoying a bowl of ice cream, tinkering in his garage, target shooting, watching the Utah Jazz, golfing, golfing some more, and hunting. At the age of 80, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by harvesting a mature bull elk—an accomplishment he treasured.

A devoted member of the Heber Valley community, Bob gave generously of his time and talents. He was a longtime member of the Heber Valley Riding Club and faithfully served for many years as a ringman and buyer coordinator for the Wasatch County Livestock Show, helping support local youth and their livestock projects.

Bob was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found great fulfillment serving for many years as an ordinance worker in the Provo Utah Temple.

Known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor, Bob had a gift for making others laugh. His clever one-liners, stories, and infectious smile will be remembered and dearly missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Merle; his children: Allen (Tari), Kent (Diane), Diana Crawley (Jess), Jennifer (Joe) Gordon, and Jeff (Kelly); 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Clark (Linda) and Leo (Lynn); his sisters-in-law, Vicki Davis and Chari Davis; his in-laws, Ella and Phillip Manwaring, and Laurel and Richard Allred; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elden and Nola Davis; his brothers, Stan Davis and Ron Davis; his son-in-law, Mike Crawley; and his in-laws, Wendell and Sina Duke, Virginia and Lowell Tensmeyer, and Frances and Grant Merrell.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Heber East Stake Center, 2395 S. Mill Road, Heber City, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Heber City Cemetery.