Jerome Glenn Gourley

Our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jerome Glenn Gourley, born September 20, 1941, SLC Utah, was welcomed back to his heavenly home on February 3, 2026. He died peacefully in his home in Toquerville, Utah, after a long struggle with cancer. Jerome's early years were that of a child facing uncertainty with a birthmother and being placed into the foster care program until March of 1947. At that time, he was adopted from the Welfare Dept of the State of Utah by his beloved parents, George and Adena Nell Gourley, of Holladay, Utah. Along with his older brother, Michael, he enjoyed a wonderful childhood of friends, pets, play and chores. His parents taught him the value of work, and he learned to love literature and poetry at his mother's knee. Upon completing Jr. High School, he graduated from Olympus High School in the spring of 1959; whereupon he completed U.S. Army Basic Training at Ft. Ord, California, where his love of country and service took root. Returning home, he began his journey towards completion of the four major goals he had set for himself: 1) Join the army; 2) Graduate from college; 3) Serve a mission for the LDS Church; 4) Marry in the temple. Jerome successfully served a 2.5 yr mission to Sweden and in March of 1964, married his sweetheart, Judy Murray, in the Salt Lake Temple and they were blessed with 62 yrs together. Jerome and Judy raised three wonderful children: Keirsten (Frank King); Eric (Lindsey); and Gregson (Colette Gourley Crandall). He loved seeing his children serve in the military, serve missions, and marry in the temple. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gregson; and his granddaughter, Kennedy Grace King. Jerome was an active scouter, National Guard career man (20 yrs), member of Post 100 American Legion, Command and General staff instructor for the 96th ARCOM (16 yrs), a 20 yr member of the Mormon Battalion Association (including two terms as President), Toquerville City Planning and Zoning, Branch President of the Salt Lake YSA, Gospel Doctrine and High Priests Group Instructor, Temple Square guide and host, Temple ordinance worker and long-time Home Teacher. But his most prized title was that of a grandfather "papa" to his 12 grandkids and his most recent great-grandchild. A quote from Jerome, "A great many people have blessed my life, far too many to try to mention, but allow me to leave with you Edwin Markham's perfect, little concluding poem: "There is a destiny that makes us brothers; None goes his way, alone: All that we send into the life of others; Comes back into our own." Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12th, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, 17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065. Visitation from 11-11:30 a.m. with chapel service from 12-1 p.m. followed by the military honors at gravesite thereafter.

Jerome Glenn Gourley

September 20, 1941 - February 3, 2026