Joe William Willoughby

Our loved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Joe William Willoughby, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 29, 2026 at the Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah.

Joe was born on June 19, 1949, in Coalville, Utah to Lyle and Gertrude Willoughby. He married Susan Culbertson on July 1, 2023, in Roosevelt, Utah, where they have enjoyed spending time together and with their family.

Joe was a big teddy bear at heart! He loved all his family deeply, but being a grandpa and great grandpa was the light of his life. He adored them and enjoyed every time he got to watch them participate in events, sports, and programs. He was a very proud grandpa!

Joe was a true cowboy….right down to the style of his beard! In his younger years, he participated in rodeo events and loved to ride horses. Anything to do with horses, Joe was usually involved. He enjoyed the mountains, hunting, and fishing.

He raised and showed rabbits for over 25 years. His passion for rabbits led him to travel all over the United States, where he met many new friends that became like family. He was inducted into the National Rex Rabbit Club Hall of Fame. Joe touched many lives through rabbits. He was always willing to help the youth and new breeders learn and grow.

Joe built a long and steady career in the oilfield. He was a pumper for Chevron for more than 30 years before retiring. He took a lot of pride in his work, which showed in his ethics and determination. His work ethics have been passed down through generations.

Joe was known as being one of a kind! He loved to tell jokes and stories, especially his bear trap story! The stories will be remembered and laughed about for years!

He is survived by his wife, Susan Willoughby; and all together their children: Cory (Melanie) Willoughby, Vernal, UT; Terri (Justin) Hays, Riverton, WY; Jodie (Mike) Mitchell, Vernal, UT; Jackie (Eric) Avis, Casper, WY; Joey (Chris) Cooper, Albany, LA; Russell VanVleet, Lander, WY; Joanie (Tracy) Douglas, Laurens, SC; Tanya Oakes, Vernal, UT. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his sister Lylette Willoughby and his parents, Lyle and Gertrude Willoughby.

Celebration of Joe’s life will be held August 8th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Coalville, Utah. Viewing will be held from 12:00p.m. to 1:15p.m. Graveside Services to be held right after.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The National Kidney Foundation.