Jay L. Deuel

1932 – 2024

Jay L. Deuel passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born on July 21, 1932, in Escalante, Utah, to Peter Barton and Hulda Wright Deuel, the youngest of six children. After graduating from Escalante High School, Jay enlisted in the Air Force, beginning 41 years of dedicated military service. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Christensen, on January 28, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised three children and shared many happy memories throughout their 65 years of marriage.

Jay was a true patriot, honorably serving in the Air Force for eight years with assignments in Korea and the Marshall Islands. In 1960 he joined the Utah National Guard where he served with distinction for 33 years. He earned the rank of Command Sergeant Major and was decorated with many ribbons and medals.

In 1963, after living in various locations for military assignments, Jay and Phyllis moved into their home in Orem and made numerous lifelong friends. Jay was a proud Eagle Scout and served as a scoutmaster for many years. He enjoyed his years as the ward clerk. In 2001 he and Phyllis served an LDS mission at Martin’s Cove in Wyoming.

Jay loved the outdoors, especially fishing, camping and hunting with his family. He and Phyllis traveled extensively throughout the US and internationally. After retiring they became “snowbirds”, spending their winters in Arizona and California, in their RV. They were members of the Utah Good Sam RV Club joining countless camping trips as well as providing community service. They enjoyed traveling with friends and making new friends along the way.

Jay was always a gentleman, cheerful, friendly, kind and quick to make us laugh. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Jay lived his last two years at Treeo Orem where he was loved by everyone. The family would like to thank the staff and his care team, especially DeeDee and Kella, for their compassion and tireless commitment to making his life comfortable in his final days.

Jay is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Ernie) Flynn and son, Larry Deuel, 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Phyllis, son, Jay L. Deuel Jr., granddaughter, Nicole Flynn Farr, his parents, and his siblings Osmyn, Barton, Verge, Kay, and Wilma Franks.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Cherry Hill 5th Ward LDS Chapel in Orem, with a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to the services. Interment with military honors at 2:00 pm in the Utah Veteran’s Cemetery at Camp Williams. Condolences may be expressed to the family at SundbergOlpinMortuary.com.