Mark Willey Profile Photo
1952 Mark 2024

Mark Willey

March 21, 1952 — October 6, 2024

Mark Willey passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 21, 1952, at Hill AFB in Layton, Utah, to Clyde Williams Willey and Minnie Faye Lawson, he was the third of four children.

As a young boy, Mark was a sports enthusiast, with a particular love for baseball and football. His charm shone early—he was voted Most Popular in 9th grade and even served as his sophomore class president. Clearly, he was destined to lead the charge in fun!

In September 1972, Mark married Debra Ann Lindsey, with whom he raised four great kids: Jeremy, Amy, Angie, and Lindsey. After their divorce, he found love again with Brenda Rae Thompson Atkinson, marrying her on June 28, 1997. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and a few good-natured pranks.

Mark was truly the heart and soul of his family—a social magnet and the life of every gathering. His infectious laughter and positive attitude made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. He had a knack for practical jokes, from rubber snakes hiding under the guest pillows to pretending to sleep when guests arrived. He could flip any negative comment into a positive spin without making anyone feel guilty—his optimism was his superpower.

A hardworking man who valued fitness, Mark was an early riser, often found at the gym. He meticulously crafted a wonderful home for his family in the '80s, and his yard—his pride and joy—is a haven for family parties. He could even be spotted out there operating a leaf blower on a breezy day! His McGyver-like skills meant he could fix almost anything; if it was broken, you could bet he’d be on YouTube figuring out how to repair it.

Mark worked as a supervisor at Holly Refinery for his entire career, happily retiring in 2013 to devote his time to cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events, traveling with dear friends, trash-talking in a Rummikub game, and refereeing high-school football until his retirement in 2022. He also enjoyed spending winters in Gilbert, Arizona, where he traded snow for sunshine.

Mark was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life and valued God and country.

Preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Faye Willey; father, Clyde Willey; stepmother, Nora Mae Graham Willey; and sister, Sherry Willey Rodriguez, 

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Thompson Willey; his four children: Jeremy (Sherrie) Willey, Amy (Cameron) Miller, Angie (Michael) MacDonald, and Lindsey (Casey) Eberhard; two step-children: Brandon (Jolynn) Atkinson and Brittin (Matt) Merback; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Steve (Susan) Willey; sister MaryAnn Willey; and heaps of adoring nieces and nephews.

Mark’s life was a testament to joy, love, and an unwavering spirit. As he often told Brenda about their life together, “I’m glad we did.”

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Parrish Heights Ward, 610 North Rowland Way, Centerville, Utah, with a viewing from 9:00 to 10:45 am, prior to services. Interment will follow at Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below. 

Please join us as we celebrate the incredible life of Mark Willey—complete with laughter, stories, and perhaps a rubber snake or two.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mark Willey, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

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Saturday, October 12, 2024

9:00 - 10:45 am (Mountain time)

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Funeral Service

Saturday, October 12, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

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