Verl Robert Wilkey

Verl Robert Wilkey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Nephi, Utah, on October 14, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on May 5, 1944, in Payson, Utah, Verl grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Wasatch Front and the values of hard work, faith, and community. Verl’s life was marked by dedication—to his loved ones, his work, and his principles.

Verl met the love of his life, Kaye, in his early teenage years through church activities. Too young to drive, he would ride his bike—or even a horse—to visit her, determined not to let a good woman like Kaye slip away. At just 17 years old, Verl married Kaye on November 9, 1962, in the Manti Utah Temple just shortly after his brother Melvin returned from his mission in New York. His father, Fred, signed the marriage license and even paid for it when Verl forgot his wallet—a moment that became part of the family’s cherished lore. And the adventure didn’t stop there: a snowy breakdown between Fountain Green and Manti meant cramming into Fred and Helen’s car—already packed with several of Verl’s siblings—to make it to the temple in time.

Together Verl and Kaye raised four children — Tammy, Cathy, Carla, and Jason — and were blessed with nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Verl’s work ethic was unmatched. Over the years, he took on many trades, including plumbing, oil rig work in the Gulf of Mexico, and oil pipeline work in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He later founded his own business, Verl Wilkey Sales, and then went on to serve as a building inspector for several local government agencies. True to form, Verl continued inspecting buildings up until his final days—he was even booked for an inspection the day before his passing.

Verl is survived by his devoted wife, Kaye Wilkey; his children Tammy (Scott), Cathy (James), and Carla (Fizz); nine grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of resilience, humor, and love. He was the third of nine children born to Fred and Helen Wilkey and is also survived by his siblings Pam, Scott, David, and Ricky.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Central Valley Medical Center, Home Health Care and hospice nurse Angela Roundy, as well as Drs. Rosenbeck, Bozeman, and Dahl, and the many friends, family members, and associates who offered kindness and support during Verl’s final days.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 94 W 300 N, Nephi, Utah. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Vine Bluff Cemetery.

Verl will be deeply missed and forever remembered.