Coy L. Darley

HYRUM – Surrounded by his family, Coy L. Darley, 84, passed away January 26, 2011, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Coy was an extraordinary husband, father, brother and friend. Coy was born July 21, 1926 in Malad, Idaho, to James Earl Darley and May Marie Darley. Coy was the youngest of four children, Earl, Sarah and Vonda. Coy spent his early years on the farm in Portage, Utah, where he learned at an early age the meaning of hard work, integrity and honesty, which he carried throughout his life. The family moved to Wellsville. Coy graduated from South Cache High School where he was senior class president. Coy served his country during World War Ii from 1943-1945 in South Korea and the Philippines.

Upon returning from war, he married his lifelong sweetheart Gerry Anderson on September 10, 1947. They were blessed with three children, Gae, Brian and Rosanne.

Softball was a big part of Coy’s life. In 1951, the Wellsville 1st Ward softball team won the All Church Softball Tournament. In 2005 Coy was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandchildren and son, Brian, at C.L. Anderson Ranch in Blacksmith Fork Canyon.

After attending Utah State University, Coy went to work for Legrand Johnson Construction. He then went to work for Thiokol where he was involved in the Minuteman Program, Naval programs and space shuttles. Later, Coy was plant manager at Bourn’s Inc. Then he returned to Thiokol where he worked as Quality Control Manager for the Tactical Programs until his retirement.

Coy served in many church callings, including counselor in the 3rd Ward Bishopric and Scouting.

In 1989 Coy and Gerry built a home at Star Valley Ranch in Star Valley, WY, where they met and developed many friendships throughout the United States. Coy became an avid golfer in his later years. The cabin became a great gathering place for his family. Coy spent many hours out on the golf course with his kids and grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Earl, and sister, Vonda. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gerry; their children, Gae (Jim) Leishman, Ogden, UT; Brian (Tyla) Darley, Hyrum, UT; Rosanne Darley, Smithfield, UT; his sister, Sarah Bradfield, Logan, UT; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at noon on January 31, 2011 in the Hyrum 3rd Ward chapel, Hyrum, UT. Interment will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery.