Kevin Marvell Marett

Kevin Marvell Marett passed away on February 24, 2018 surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with cancer.  He was born in Tooele, Utah on September 20, 1955, the fourth child of William Randolph and Clara Weyland Marett.

He graduated from Tooele High School before attending BYU.   He went on to earn a master’s degree in social work at the University of Utah before receiving his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University.  He taught at UNLV before joining the social work faculty at BYU.  He served as director of the BYU Social Work Department for three years.  In addition, he counseled many individuals and families in private practice.

After returning from an LDS mission to the Florida Fort Lauderdale mission, he worked for BYU Wilderness and Pioneer Treks.  It was there that he met Lori James his future wife whom he married on April 24, 1982 in the Jordan River Temple.  The church became the center of their life, and together they built a home based on Gospel principles.  They moved to Mapleton in 1993 where they raised their 6 children.  Their backyard was the center of many neighborhood activities.

At an early age he decided to dedicate his life to helping people. The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ were his guiding light. These principles were evident in everything he did.

Kevin mentored many young men as he served as cub scout and scout leader, showing these young men by precept and example how to integrate principles of good living into their lives.  His humility and inspiration touched many more lives as he served as bishop of the Mapleton 15th Ward and the Spanish Fork Single Adult Ward.  He served in a branch presidency at the MTC where again he had the opportunity to influence young people for good.  Not only did he serve others in church callings, he also strived to teach by the spirit using humor, compassion and enthusiasm to teach his BYU students how to help and serve others.  He was concerned about others and listened compassionately to everyone with genuine love and concern.  He helped others to see the best in themselves.

He loved his family and tried to be the best dad and grandfather he could be.  His grandchildren brought him great joy.  He enjoyed nature and loved canoeing and camping with his wife, family, and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lori James, and his children and their spouses Michael and Katie Marett of Murray, Utah; Jessica and Anthony Dunster of American Fork, Utah; Jacob Marett of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; Caitlin and Michael Buzbee of Roy, Utah; John and KiLeigh Marett of Mapleton, Utah; Nathan Marett of Provo, Utah; eight grandchildren; his brother and his spouse Michael and Anna Marett; his sister Valerie Ashley; and his sister and her spouse Sherrie and Michael Schmidt.  Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother Scott Marett and two step sisters Coral Hansen and Brenda George.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 3, at 1:00 pm at the North Mapleton Stake Center, 475 N 1600 W, Mapleton, Utah.  Viewings will be held Friday, March 2, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South in Springville, Utah and prior to services on Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at the Mapleton North Stake Center.  Interment will be in Mapleton Cemetery 620 West Maple St., Mapleton.

The family would like to express deep love and appreciation to neighbors and friends who have been so generous in sharing their love, support, time and prayers throughout Kevin’s illness.