Kelly John Shakespear

Kelly Shakespear
Tropic, Utah

    Our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother, Kelly John Shakespear, 68, passed  away at his home in Tropic on October 22, 2023, after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. He was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 
    Kelly was born to Obie and June Winters Shakespear on May 20, 1955 in Panguitch, the sixth of ten children. He spent most of his life in Tropic. Kelly was a graduate of Bryce Valley High School. He attended both Southern Utah State College, on a track and field scholarship, and Provo Technical College. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brisbane, Australia. He remained an active member of the church throughout his life. 
    Kelly met his eternal companion, Patricia Gardner, at Bryce Canyon. They were married September 12, 1980 in the St George Temple where they were sealed for time and all eternity. They later made their home in Tropic where they welcomed seven children: Jodi (Bryce) Ott, Eagle Mountain; Heather (Preston) Gilbert, Monroe; Donna Draper, Washington; Brady (Cari) Shakespear, St George; Wyatt (Whitney) Shakespear, Richfield; Vanessa (Ben) Wagner, Lincoln, NE; and Dayne (Lindsey) Shakespear, Tropic. 
    Kelly had employment with the National Park Service at Bryce Canyon where he worked for 34 years in maintenance and historical preservation. His preferred occupation, though, was ranching. Kelly loved his farm and spent countless hours there. He enjoyed being with his family, as well as fishing, hiking, hunting, and telling stories. 
    Kelly had many talents. He was a natural leader, a friend to all he met, and could build or fix anything. His honesty, strong moral character, and work ethic were an example to all who knew him. 
    Kelly is survived by his wife; children; 37 grandchildren; 3 brothers: Macailif (Susan) Shakespear, L Dee (Tina) Shakespear, Vance (Kathy) Shakespear; 6 sisters: Mavis Strebel, Esther (Bruce) Lloyd, Elna (Mark) Jeffery, Nelda (Darwin) Nef, Joan (Warren) Platt, and Gwen (Daniel) Perry. 
    Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, Obie and June Shakespear. 
    The family wishes to thank Dr. Agarwal and his team at the Huntsman Cancer center for their many years of helping Kelly survive, as well as Kelly’s hospice nurses for their recent care. 
    Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 12:00 Noon in the Tropic Ward Chapel, where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Tropic Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortury.com