Mauri Kent Parsons

Mauri Parsons

Monroe, Utah

Our loving husband, father, son, grandpa, friend and hero, Mauri Kent Parsons, 65, returned to his Heavenly Father on September 7, 2020 in Monroe, Utah. He was born on January 9, 1955 to R. Kent and Connie Morrison Parsons. He was sealed to the love of his life, Tamara Utley on July 14, 1978 in the Manti LDS Temple. They were blessed with three children and 11 grandchildren: Tara (Javalan) Redd: Jaggar Dane, Krew Kent, Roxie Rae and Reese Presley; Reggie (Linsey) Parsons: Trayl K.,Hadlee Dawn, Trace Reggie and Bree Linsey; and Michael (Kassidy) Parsons: Rayni Anne, Walker Mauri, and Emzley Sheen, all of Monroe. Mauri built his family home and unique barns with his characteristic hard work.

Mauri graduated from SSHS in 1973 with a scholarship to play basketball at SUU for two years. While attending SUU, Mauri took classes in electronics in order to continue his father’s legacy of providing over-the-air-tv to rural Utah. He further followed in his father’s footsteps by getting his pilot’s license and received great satisfaction flying his fiancée Tamara to and from college. He found great joy above the clouds.

For over 20 years, Mauri served the community by coaching and mentoring the young men, often alongside his brother, Johnny, whether in football, baseball, or his love, basketball. In this period he was fortunate to coach his sons and three grandsons even until last winter. His love for the game and enthusiasm will be forever remembered as a legendary player and coach "with grit in your shorts".

Mauri was blessed with a special ability to work in the tv translation field for more than 40 years. Like his father, he was a man of integrity and always put people and values first. He served on the National Translator Association for many years and instructed workshops where his colleagues appreciated his knowledge and expertise.

Eight years ago, Mauri and his boys, Reggie and Michael, made a family dream come true when they were granted a low-power tv license which soon became KTTA 8.1 HD T.V. They spent countless hours building, gathering, and editing local content to air on 8.1. Mauri’s relentless dedication to public broadcasting built an empire that will continue long past his final days.

Mauri was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in both the Sunday School and Elder’s Quorum presidencies. Mauri had a strong love for the Savior and a firm testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Little Green Valley meant a lot to him and he served as a volunteer with the Monroe Fire Department for 17 years. He was also on the Southern Utah Junior Livestock board. He enjoyed teaching his children how to raise, groom and show sheep. With everything he was involved in he gained respect and developed lasting friendships.

One of Mauri’s greatest joys was his family and spending time at the family cabin with his children and grandchildren. Many memories were made on countless hunting trips, gathering wood, picnics, family parties, and hiking in the quakies. Mauri had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren. They have treasured memories of their time spent with him and Mauri enjoyed these times as well. Mauri’s greatest joy and love was for his eternal companion, Tamara. They shared a special bond for more than 45 years.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara; mother, Connie; father-in-law, Ronald Utley; his three children: Tara, Reggie, Michael; brother, Johnny (Kari); and sister Cynda. He is preceded in death by his father, Kent; mother-in-law Shirlene Utley.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 12:00 Noon in the Monroe Stake Center. Friends may call at the Magleby Mortuary Friday evening 6-8 p.m. and prior to service at the stake center from 10-11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Monroe Cemetery. Live streaming of the services can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Mauri's obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.