Husband, father, friend, golfer, competitor, crotchety old guy barking frustrations at himself– though you may have taken offense from time to time.
On June 19, 2014, Frank Dwayne Utley began his heavenly adventures which one can nearly be certain will include lots of golf.
He will be missed.
Born July 18, 1938 in Hardy, AR and raised in Williford, AR and Thayer, MO. Frank graduated from Thayer High School in 1956 and had a career with Burlington Northern Railroad.
Predeceased by his wife Ruby Risner Utley without whom he was simply lost, his brother Walter Utley and his parents John Arnold Utley and Dolly Irene Jenkins.
Frank loved his family and is survived by his sons John Utley and Stan Utley (Elayna).
He will be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, John Henry Utley (John), Tatum and Jake Utley (Stan).
He is also survived by two brother-in-laws, Lester Risner and wife, Peggy, Collierville, Tennessee and Richard Risner and wife, Joyce, West Plains, Missouri; two sister-in-laws, Ruth Honeycutt, Edmond, Oklahoma and Vermelle Utley, Germantown, Tennessee.
Frank was a man of faith and a member of Curry Street Church of Christ in West Plains.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation to “Missouri Junior Golf Foundation” be considered.
A graveside service at The Thayer Cemetery will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 21. A Memorial Service is TBD. Viewing will be available at Carter Funeral Home in West Plains, MO on Friday, June 20th.
June 20, 2014 @ 8:30 am
So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed..Your father was a wonderful man, one of a kind. Our prayers are with you at this time.
June 20, 2014 @ 11:16 am
Mr. Utley was a great golf teacher and friend to me as I was growing up and throughout my life. I owe the majority of the success that I have experienced playing golf to him. He will be greatly missed. I wish I could attend the services, but will be unable to. I offer my condolences to John, Stan and the rest of the family.
-Greg McMurtrey
June 20, 2014 @ 11:31 am
We are so sorry for you loss. Your father will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful man, one of a kind. Stubborn old man till the end but he finally got his wish to be with your mom. Our prayers are with you.
June 20, 2014 @ 1:03 pm
Just so sorry for your loss. I have known Frank and his family for many years. He became his father, in nature. I have lost a friend also a former classmate Thayer High of 1956 . My prayer is you all have peace at this difficult time.
June 20, 2014 @ 1:59 pm
Stan & John very sorry to hear about your dad. You guys had such good parents. I will miss my chats with Papa Frank, Every time I saw him I would ask about you boys, He always had a big smile and a glow in his eyes, you could tell he was really proud of you guys and his grand kids. I pray that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
June 20, 2014 @ 5:20 pm
Stan and John, So sorry that you now have lost both your parents. Praying for you both and your family. David and Carrie
June 20, 2014 @ 6:17 pm
Stan, John and Families: Wayne and I were very sorry to hear about your dad…we knew your parents a long time and they were so very proud of you boys and your kids. We could tell a lot of stories about them….railroad, church and just family talk. I know you all will miss your dad…he was his own person and you always knew where you stood with him! May God bless each of you and your families.
June 20, 2014 @ 9:25 pm
I was so shocked whenI read the paper and saw your dad’s name. We loved your mom and dad as well as you boys. Remember all the good times we used to have at Thayer. Our dad’s loved those horses. Horse shows every weekend. Aren’t you glad he taught you golf? We will miss Frank. Saw him several times after church on Sunday eating by himself. He sure missed your mom. We pray God will give you strength and comfort during this time. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
June 23, 2014 @ 8:24 pm
Sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. He will be missed. I’ve known Frank since he moved to Thayer as a boy, and always looked forward to visiting with him and Ruby when I went to Missouri in later years.