Longtime Utah Resident Reese G. Jewkes Passes Away at 86

Jewkes, a Navy veteran and longtime Soil Conservation Service employee, is remembered for his faith, family, and community service.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Reese G. Jewkes, a lifelong resident of Orangeville, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2026, at the age of 86. Jewkes was a Navy veteran, a dedicated employee of the Soil Conservation Service for 35 years, and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings including as a ward clerk for over 15 years.

Why it matters

Jewkes' passing marks the end of an era for his close-knit community in Orangeville, where he was known for his commitment to his faith, family, and public service. His life story reflects the values and traditions of rural Utah, where multi-generational ties, hard work, and community involvement have long been cherished.

The details

Jewkes was born in Orangeville in 1939 and spent most of his life there, aside from a stint in the Navy and his education in Provo. After returning home to care for his ailing father, he married his wife, Linda, in 1962, and they were later sealed in the Provo Utah Temple. Jewkes worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and then spent 35 years with the Soil Conservation Service before retiring in 2000. He was also an active member of his local LDS church, serving as a ward clerk for over 15 years.

  • Reese G. Jewkes was born on November 24, 1939.
  • Jewkes married Linda Lee Cox on November 10, 1962, and they were sealed in the Provo Utah Temple on November 10, 1982.
  • Jewkes worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 35 years, retiring in January 2000.
  • Jewkes passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2026.

The players

Reese G. Jewkes

An 86-year-old lifelong resident of Orangeville, Utah, who served in the U.S. Navy, worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 35 years, and was an active member of the LDS church.

Linda Lee Cox

Reese Jewkes' wife of over 63 years, whom he married in 1962 and was later sealed to in the Provo Utah Temple.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The religious organization that Reese Jewkes was a faithful member of, serving in various callings including as a ward clerk for over 15 years.

Bureau of Reclamation

The federal agency that Reese Jewkes worked for, contributing to the construction of the Joe's Valley Dam.

Soil Conservation Service

The federal agency that Reese Jewkes worked for as a dedicated employee for 35 years before retiring in 2000.

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The takeaway

Reese G. Jewkes' life exemplified the values of faith, family, and community service that have long been central to rural Utah communities like Orangeville. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.