Robert King Pray

Robert King Pray, age 78, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 1, 2015 in the comfort of his home in Taylorsville, Utah. Robert was born March 11, 1937 in National City, California to Richard Huse Pray and Bernice Eddy. On December 17, 1960 he married Marilynn Louise Kasler at the Little Chapel of the Roses in Bonita. Marilynn and Robert were later sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Los Angeles California Temple.

Robert’s early years were spent running and exploring the hills of Sunnyside, California. He graduated from Blythe High School then served in the US Army during the end of the Korean War. Upon returning home from war, Robert became a fireman for the Bonita Fire District. During this time he met and fell in love with Marilynn. Robert and Marilynn were married and moved to Cardiff by the Sea where he gained employment with the Rancho Santa Fe Fire District. Robert also started working at Hansen’s Surf Shop making surf boards. Since his design was so efficient, Stone Steps International Surfing Contests decided to create the “Pray Award” which was given to the surfer who was most maneuverable in the wave. After several years, Robert became a General Contractor building and remodeling many homes throughout southern California. Robert also served in many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints including: Primary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Ward Mission Leader in the Quorum of the Seventy, and High Priest. His last calling in the church was serving as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Las Vegas Nevada Temple.

Robert retired in 2002 and moved to Overton, Nevada with Marilynn to be close to his oldest son and family and to pursue a lifelong dream of building his own house and shop. In 2013, they moved to Taylorsville, Utah to live with his wonderful daughter Heather and her family, as well as enjoy the cooler climate and Wasatch Mountains of Salt Lake City.

Robert was a dedicated, hard-working man who prided himself in his ability to provide for his family. He will be remembered for his skilled craftsmanship, witty banter, and sarcasm. Robert’s “Prayish” stubbornness will be deeply missed. He very much loved his wife of 54 years, Marilynn Louise, his four children, and ten grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife, Marilynn, brother, Jack, children, Daniel and his wife Jacqulyn Pray, Heather and her husband Daniel Nehring, Andrew and his wife Tanya Pray, and Jeremiah and his wife Jennifer Pray, and ten grandchildren.

Visitation and viewing will be held Saturday, October 10th at 10:00am with funeral services to follow at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Ward House, located at 4932 South 3200 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84129. Interment will be held at 12:30pm at Redwood Memorial Estates, located at 6500 South Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84123.