Teddy Dean Priest passed away on November 29, 2023, age 84.
He was born to Odis V. Priest and Vera N. Killion on October 20, 1939, in Ainsworth, NE.
Ted began his long carrier as a Journeyman Lineman with Local #611 in Albuquerque, NM on August 20, 1959. He had worked with his dad and brothers for six years prior to that, building rural power lines in Nebraska and Iowa.
His work took him many places but it was in Duchesne, UT, that he met his soulmate and best friend. He and Marilyn D. Leavitt were married on June 14, 1961. They traveled throughout the western United States following the line work, but finally settled in Duchesne in 1981. They were blessed with two daughters, Krystal and Kathy and a son, Shad.
His entire life Ted loved horses, hunting and fishing and took advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the out of doors, wherever he lived. After retiring in 2004, he and Marilyn bought a second (vacation) home in Johnstown, NE and for four years traveled regularly between Utah and Nebraska. They enjoyed the beauty of both places.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his parents; sister, Leona Smith; and brothers, Gerald Priest and Dallas Priest. Waiting for him in heaven is his precious granddaughter, Kristin; his parentsin law, Kenneth V. and Lucille Leavitt; and brother-in-law, Jerry Leavitt.
He is survived by his children, Krystal (Ken) Winterton, Kathy (Eloy) Torres, Shad (Niki) Priest; his sister, Ruth Allen of Johnstown, NE; sisterin- law, Alberta Priest of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Central Park Ward LDS Chapel, Roosevelt, UT. Interment was in Roosevelt Memorial Park next to his beloved wife, Marilyn. Services were under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home in Roosevelt, UT (ashleyvalleyfuneralhome.com).
