Bob Bessey

On the morning of Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, Bob Bessey passed away at the age of 91. Bob lived a happy life full of friendship and sheep. The impact he made on the people in his life will be forever remembered. He was born on July 4, 1935 in Manti, Utah to Charles A. Bessey and Ethel J. Bench. He grew up with his brothers Douglas and Larry, and it was a childhood full of scheming and fun. He married Carolyn Sorensen on Dec. 11, 1965, later solemnized in the Manti Temple.

Bob loved his family, his sheep dogs, Diet Coke, and being an active member of his community. He was celebrated for his common sense, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, integrity and gratitude. He was kind, genuine, and hardworking. He was a high school math, science, and keyboarding teacher in South Sanpete School District for many years where he touched the lives of his students– several who still find the time to stop by to visit him. He was a heavy equipment operator for Cox Construction, a co-principal at Manti High School, a service station owner, and a sheepman. He is often remembered for driving down Main Street in his Templar red truck with a “Manti-HI” license plate, his border collies in the back, and a smile on his face.

Aside from spending time with Carolyn or his sheep, Bob was a man involved in many organizations and groups. He was a member of the Utah Board of Water Resources, Community Impact Board, Utah Wool Growers Association, Six County Mental Health Board, American Legion Post 31, and Sanpete County Farm Bureau President. He served in the U.S. Army, as a drill instructor at Ft. Carson, CO. He also served on the Manti City Council, was the Mayor of Manti, and a Sanpete County Commissioner. Bob has also served in various church callings, but his heart was truly happiest doing temple work and genealogy.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn, Manti; a son and two daughters: Lisa (Kent) Kreiter, Montana; Eric (Kimberly) Bessey, Missouri; Susie (David) Young, Wyoming; and a son-in-law, Wade (Monica) Jacobsen, Utah; 13 grandchildren plus 9 step-grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Diane (Wade) Jacobsen, his brother, Douglas Bessey, his grandsons Tony Bailey and Derrick Bessey, and his great-granddaughter Lily McMullin.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. in the Manti 8th Ward Chapel, 295 South Main Street. Friends and loved ones may call Thursday evening at the church from 6-7:30 p.m., and Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. The burial will be at the Manti Cemetery with military honors by the Manti American Legion Post #31.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook and live stream of the services at http://www.maglebymortuary.com.