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Bobby Gene Dayley

Mar. 28, 1939 - Dec. 21, 2022

Date of Service: Jan. 4, 2023

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BURLEY – Our loving father, Bobby Gene Dayley (affectionately known as Bob), returned quietly to his Father in Heaven in his home on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, surrounded by his family. There was a happy reunion in heaven when he was reunited with the love of his life and eternal partner, Jo Dayley.

Dad was born March 28, 1939, to J Darrell “Ted” and Barbara Celestine Welch Dayley, in Burley, Idaho, in a cabin built by his grandfather. He was the oldest of four boys. He attended elementary school at the old Springdale School, which is less than two miles from his current home. He was also the first class to attend the then new Burley High School which is now the CSI college building. Soon he became involved in music with his beloved cousin and friend, Newell Dayley. Both of them picked the trumpet to play and never looked back. They played in the school band as well as in their own blues and Jazz dance band all around the area.

He attended Brigham Young University intending to major in music, but he ended up majoring in “marriage” and accounting. The first day of college he met the love of his life, Jo Zirbel, while playing in band. They fell in love and married in the Manti Utah Temple on the 25th of March, 1959. The next five years kept them extremely busy, Dad finishing school and Mom having babies. When Dad graduated we moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked for Price Waterhouse Audit and Accounting Firm.

Mom and Dad wanted to raise their children in Idaho and they moved back to Burley where he worked in his father’s business. Along with his father and brothers, Dad became a very successful businessman in their family underground utility construction business, J.D. Dayley & Sons. Each of us six kids, two girls and four boys, learned to work hard with our dad, shoveling and eventually running heavy equipment, splicing telephone lines, and bidding jobs.

Mom and Dad instilled their love for music in each of their children but they did not stop there. Mom and Dad dreamed about forming an orchestra in the area and so they did with help from their friends. The Magic Valley Philharmonic Orchestra started in their living room and blossomed into a full-sized orchestra. Since then, many people have been able to make their dreams come true by being part of the orchestra or by enjoying their music.

Dad loved serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had many callings, but his favorite was serving in the Primary. He loved his Primary children, and he loved the youth. For more than 20 years, he would make a senior yearbook for each of the seniors in his ward that included their pictures and letters from the bishopric and family. Many would stop and thank Dad for that precious gift.

He was blessed to be on the stake high council for the Church and he loved getting to know everyone throughout the Declo Idaho Stake. However, his ultimate favorite calling was serving in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple. He served until his Parkinson’s disease progressed to the point that it became a struggle to make the trip. Dad’s main goal in life was to make sure each one of his kids and grandkids knew that he had a testimony of Jesus Christ. He loved his Savior with all his heart.

He was always known as a kind and giving person. He did not like anybody else to know when he would give money to a charity or help them, if he could possibly avoid it. Both Mom and Dad were like that.

Mom and Dad always found a way to make their dreams come true and also their children’s dreams come true. They were blessed to build a cabin where they could spend time together. Family was everything to him and everything he did was so that the family could be closer together. For us, he’s the greatest man we have ever known, and a perfect example of a father and a husband and how to live!

He will be missed immensely! But we find joy and peace knowing he is free from the trials of this life which he bore so well. Mom and Dad will celebrate Christ’s birth together, and that is the miracle of Christmas this year.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo Dayley; his parents, Barbara and Ted Dayley; his brother, Jay Allen Dayley; and his daughter-in-law Shirley Ann Kunzler Dayley.

He is survived by his brothers, Dennis Dee Dayley and Ted Rex Dayley; his six children, Bob Allen Dayley (Luisa), Darrell Gene Dayley (Teresa), Barbara Jo Tolman (Golden), Ted Arthur Dayley (DeAnna), Jolene Eve Toland (engaged to Patrick Libby), Dale Edward Dayley (Shirley); and many grandkids and great-grandkids.

We would like to give a giant thank you to all the doctors and friends who have supported and been there for Dad throughout his battle with Parkinson’s Disease; especially, Dr. Walter Graham who was not only Dad’s physician, but also a very good friend. We would also like to thank Intermountain Healthcare and Hospice for their loving kindness and support. We are forever grateful! And finally, thank you to the wonderful people from Meals on Wheels - you were our friends and daily support.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Springdale 2nd Ward, located at 519 E. 200 S., of Burley, with Bishop Ben Guercio officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, prior to the funeral, at the church.

A webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/rCgHZPW17Jc.

Condolences for Bobby Gene Dayley

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Susan Forsgren :

Growing up we were blessed to be surrounded by family. Our Grandparents and the four Dayley brothers all lived within close proximity. We spent countless hours in each others homes. As a result, I have always felt so close to my aunts and uncles. Uncle Bob was a kind and thoughtful man. He will forever be in my heart! I love you Uncle Bob! Say hello to my dad for me!

From Sharon Allen :

I moved to Idaho in 2005 and Bob and Jo welcomed me and my kids as extended family. My sister is married to Ted. Family dinner on Sunday’s and holidays. We were always welcome. It meant the world to me! I don’t think I ever told them that. My thoughts are with the entire family. Thank you Bob and Jo for your wonderful examples and for being our family when I had no other family here, besides DeAnna of course.

From Joni Nebeker :

I have wonderful memories of growing up with Uncle Bob and Aunt Jo. Spent a lot of my young years playing with cousins at their home. Uncle Bob always had the best sense of humor and loved to tease. As I got older he had great advice and had a way of making everyone feel important. When I would stop by on a Sunday afternoon he always seemed to have the most delicious chocolate chip cookies hot and ready. Fun conversations were had around their dining room table while devouring those treats. Will never forget the feeling of being loved in their home. Will see you again in the future Dear Uncle... Love you!

From Debbie Billingsley :

My condolences to the Dayley family.
I dearly love my cousin Bob. He was my missionary. He has always had a special place in my heart. He and Jo were a comfort and inspiration. I will always cherish their memories.

From Susie Winder:

Bob meant the world to me! He was truly an example of loving like our Savior. I’ve always felt that it was such a great honor to meet him and get to know him over the last s several years. I will forever value our friendship and all that he taught me! My prayers and heart are with his family during this time.

From David Price:

Bob and I were good friends
He was the Ward Clerk and I was his assistant. He kept me straight.
Later He was as a stake clerk and we saw each other every week. I'm thankful that we knew each other and worked together.

From Susie Neibaur:

I learned so much from both Bob and Joe in the Magic Philharmonic Orchestra. It was a pleasure to be on the board with them for so many years. We have missed them the last few years since they had to retire because of health issues. Many years of fun times making music. Thank you Bob and Jo for starting the orchestra!

From Kathryn Tompkins :

My condolences to Bob’s family. What a worthwhile life he led and I so enjoyed all the years of friendship. Kathryn Clark Tompkins

From Thayne and Marilyn Buck:

I appreciate the opportunity I had of playing trumpet in the Magic Philharmonic with Bob and Jo for 30 years. It was a wonderful experience I will never forget. Bob helped me a lot to become a better player and was also a very good friend. We also had the opportunity to work with Bob in the temple. He always had a smile for everyone even when he was struggling with his health issues. We enjoyed our association with them and send our heartfelt prayers of comfort to the family.

From Derrahl and Faye Holmes:

We so enjoyed serving with Bob and Jo in the Twin Falls Temple. Our condolences to all of their family.

From Angie (Nancolas) Allen:

Bob truly was a kind hearted man and taught me that many years ago when he gave my dad a second chance in life after getting in trouble with the law. Bob saw something in my dad that many people looked past. He employed him for many years and my dad had a great love for him. After joining the church and seeing Bob one day working at the temple truly was a blessing, I think for both of us. My prayers and love I'm sending to the family.

From Kay Johnson:

Oh how we loved Bob and Jo. Bob cornered me at Church one Sunday several years ago. The discussion went something like this..."Kay, I remember you telling me that you play the Clarinet and that you have played the Bass Clarinet". My response was " Yes I have! It's been years since I played the Bass Clarinet, I played that in Jr. High School! I would have to rent a Bass Clarinet (and they weren't cheap to rent). Bob's response.." Jo and I have a Bass Clarinet in our basement." I played Bass Clarinet in the Magic Philharmonic for several years. Thank you Bob for the opportunity.

From Barbara Dayley Tolman:

Dad give mom a hug from us. We kept our promise to keep you at home. We love you and will always honor both mom and you. Forever families.

From Julie Gardner :

I was blessed to be part of the Dayley family for a few years. Bob was a kind loving man who loved his family and the gospel and music so much! I'm grateful to have known him and for his Christlike example. He will be greatly missed but what a reunion he is having beyond the veil with his beloved sweetheart and family. My love and prayers to the Dayley family.

From UrsulaByington :

Bob was a wonderful and kind man! I so enjoyed helping him sell tickets for the MPO. I also remember the many years he & Dennis ( my husband) , & others worked together on the board . It was so exciting to watch him on the trumpet & Jo, his wife, playing the bass! What a duo! Heaven will surely be full of the beautiful sound of music! Umb

From Esther Koepnick:

I'm so thankful for the time we had to get reacquainted and talk. I love and will miss you more than you'll ever know. Rest in Peace my beautiful cousin.

From Joe Stringham :

My condolences to the family. My mom really enjoyed playing in the orchestra with Bob. She has fond memories of many years of making music. Bob is now with his sweetheart and may heaven bless the family.

From Patrick Libby:

To the Dayley family: I am deeply saddened and sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad and Grandpa. Please accept my sincerest condolences during this time of great sadness. May thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this very difficult time.

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