Robert Lyman Staker

A skilled craftsman, devoted family man, and cherished friend, Robert Lyman Staker, of Midvale, Utah, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the age of 73, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. He was born on July 18, 1951, in Price, Utah, to his parents, Howard Raymond Staker and Lydia Bradley Staker.

On July 23, 1982, Robert married Venita Rae DeWaal, uniting their families to include 8 children. This clan would go on to blossom into an army of 31 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Robert and Venita were sealed for time and all Eternity in the Jordan River Temple on October 18, 1989.

Known affectionately as "Bob," "Grandpa Bob the Builder," and "Boogie" by his colleagues, Robert was a master cement finisher and a true construction genius, dedicating his life to his work and leaving behind a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship.

Beyond his professional life and artistic pursuits, Bob was a devoted outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, and embarking on countless camping trips with his beloved family. He was a multifaceted artist with a creative spirit, expressing himself through painting and even crafting charming claymation movies and home videos. Bob received his master taxidermist license, and was known to skillfully create trophy mounts for friends and family, a testament to his meticulous nature and artistic eye.

Bob was a constant creator and a master of resourcefulness, embodying the lessons learned from having parents who grew up during the depression. He had an incredible knack for making the most of everything around him, from gathering tire weights on his daily walks to melt them down into lead for his shooting hobby, to his remarkable green thumb that allowed him to grow or attempt to grow just about anything. He collected water in barrels, possessed impressive food storage skills, and even used his taxidermy talents to craft leather goods from the hides of his hunting trophies.

Above all, Bob was a humble servant of his faith, finding great joy in helping others within his church and neighborhood. He served in countless positions throughout his life, including Scout Master, Youth Leader, and Bishop, always offering his time and talents generously. His guidance and support touched many lives within his community.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Venita Staker, his 8 children, Lisa Wilcock (Joseph), Wendy Burkett, Victor (Brett) Robinson, Kelly Robinson (Tori), Laura Crane (Jayson), Robert Staker (Sandra), Jenny Knudsen (Charlie), and Shannon Hoover (Ryan); 31 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren with 5 more expected; and 1 great-great-grandchild with another on the way.

He is preceded in death by his Parents Howard and Lydia Staker, Brothers, Larry and Dennis Staker, his Sister Marie Boyce, and his Grandson Thomas John (T.J.) Anderton.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at the Midvale 11th Ward Stake Center at 97 West 7500 South, Midvale, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 South), Sandy, Utah following the services.