Roll Call Tribute

Newel Standley, Jr. 

November 11, 1935 - May 7, 2023 

Newel Standley, Jr. was born November 11, 1935 in Vallejo, California. He passed away on May 7th, 2023 at the age of 87

He always said he grew up in paradise. He had a loving family, lived in a good community and had good friends. His home was in South Vallejo, CA. His parents were Newel Standley and Sarah Ann Shooter Standley. He attended Grant Elementary, Franklin Jr High and graduated from Vallejo High School in 1954. After a year at Vallejo Jr. College, he began working at Mare Island Naval Shipyard as a draftsman trainee, then soon after served an LDS mission in Great Britain in 1956 and 1957.

When he was released, he returned to live in Murray, Utah where his father and stepmother were living. His first Sunday home he was introduced to Joyce Halliday, quickly fell in love with her and finally convinced her to marry him. They were sealed together on December 19, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple. Newel’s membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was important to him, and he remained active in it all his life.

Newel graduated from the University of Utah in 1962 and began teaching Junior High science in Granite School District. He noted that after graduating from college and beginning his career, he made less money than he had as a draftsman trainee, and he did not care. Helping his students learn and grow was his entire focus. In 1969 he received a National Science Foundation grant and attended Texas A&M University, receiving a Master’s Degree in 1970. He returned to teaching Junior High in Granite District. He was transferred to Taylorsville High School when it opened where he taught Physics. He was also adjunct faculty for a time at SLCC.

He was a member of his professional associations the GEA, UEA and NEA. He served on the board of the GEA for several years and later as president.

Newel and Joyce served an LDS Church Education Mission in Scotland and later a Church Education Service Mission for the Salt Lake Valley Special Needs Institute.

Newel was a true renaissance man, and lifelong builder and maker. He was an avid student and teacher of the gospel, an amateur astronomer, photographer, piano player, poet, gardener and creator of cabinets, dressers, drawers, chests, toys, cradles, and confections - especially fruitcake.

On Sunday, May 7th, 2023, Newel returned home to his parents, whom he missed deeply.

Newel is survived by his dearly loved wife, Joyce and four children, Laura Bakker (Mitch), Anne Standley, John Standley (Michelle) and James Standley (Karma). They have 14 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Olite Standley Solon and Irene Standley Knight.

His family will miss him and his stories, and hope to hear them when we meet again.

There will be a viewing on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary located at 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the LDS Brownstone Building on 6410 S. 725 E. Murray, Utah at 11:00 AM, with a viewing prior to the service from 10:00 - 10:45 am. Interment at the Murray City Cemetery.