Sherrell Robert Dial

Our hero and dad, Sherrell Robert Dial (Bob), passed away peacefully on May 11th, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife Joan, his children, and grandchildren. His posterity is 107 strong and still counting.

Bob was born on the kitchen floor of his family farmhouse in Shelley, Idaho, on February 3rd, 1932 to Samuel Lawrence Dial and Elga Thorne. He was the 7th of ten children. Dad graduated from Granite High School in 1950 as an all-State football and baseball player. He served in the Korean War with the Marine Corps from 1951-1953, and was awarded the Korean Service, National Defense, and Good Conduct Medals. While serving as a Marine, he was a kick-ass boxer, never losing a match!

In college, Dad graduated at the top of his class in finished carpentry. He was the hardest working man we knew, always working two jobs to support his family. Dad retired after 35 years at Kennecott Copper as a certified Millwright. He was humble and worked harder and longer than anyone else in the room.

Dad met the love of his life, Joan Lythgoe, on a blind date. His brothers thought Joan looked like a Hollywood star! They were married on November 28th, 1953, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were blessed with six amazing children: Sherrel (Thom), Joni (Kirk), Rob (Nancy), Ryan (Kathi) Troy (Cindy) and Devin. They later welcomed 23 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Everyone adored Dad/Grandpa/Grandpa Great. Bob and Joan loved their LDS mission in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 2002-2004, and cherished their 10 years as ordinance workers in the Jordan River Temple. These experiences helped refine his quiet discipleship of Jesus Christ.

Bob enjoyed all sports, but especially BYU games. Sunday football watching was a regular family pastime. Old country music of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Dean Martin filled his soul. Our family treasured the time we spent together laughing and watching Jackie Gleason, Bonanza, and “All In The Family”. If Dad was laughing, it was truly funny. He savored mom’s fried rabbit, elk roast, deer steaks, and homemade bread.

Dad was as tough as nails and strong as an ox, yet he had the softest, kindest heart. He loved his gun collection, a good yard sale, card games, a funny joke, a clean car, old westerns, and being surrounded by his family. He was a good sport in all of our fun and crazy D-I-A-L reunion shenanigans. He always had a special relationship with the many family dogs and left behind his favorite, Bobbi-girl, who slept with him every night and woke him up with licks all over his face.

Dad’s greatest passions in life included hunting, fishing, and camping with family on his property on the Duchesne River in Tabiona, Utah. Holding his baby girl granddaughters through the years gave him deep joy and our favorite Grandpa smiles. Dad was a faithful supporter of his children and grandchildren who participated in sports and in the arts.

He bestowed a kiss, right on the lips, to any man, woman or child who was lucky enough to be loved by him. He was a man of few words, but lived with integrity, grit, and honor. Dad was the quiet, unassuming hero of our family. We all looked up to him and loved seeing him look adoringly at his sweetheart from across a room. We will miss him every moment of every day, until we are together again.

We offer a special thank you to Amber, his hospice nurse of 3 ½ years, who became like family while caring for our dad. We also honor our brother Devin (from heaven) for his ongoing caregiving to Dad and Mom. Mom and Dad’s family ministers (or as Mom lovingly calls “Ministering Angels”) Dick and Cathy Harwood were compassionate and so willing to help whenever needed. Mom and Dad’s loving and dear friend, Lani Rawlins, is an ongoing treasured blessing to us all.

Visitation/Viewing will be held Friday, May 19, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the LDS Church on 1239 W. Country Creek Dr, South Jordan, UT.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 20th at the same location. A Viewing will take place from 12:00-12:45 PM with the Funeral following from 1:00-2:00 PM. Immediately following the services a short military tribute will be performed.

In lieu of flowers, Dad would like you to take your children and grandchildren out for ice cream!