R L Nebeker

RL Nebeker

Richfield, Utah

R. Lynes Nebeker, 91, passed away March 24, 2020 in Richfield. RL was born September 24, 1928 in Monroe, to Arlington Lynes and Martha Alice Pope Nebeker. He was a miracle baby, weighing in at only 2 pounds. Because he was so small, they had to fashion a makeshift cradle from a shoebox. He grew up in Sigurd, Utah, but from the time he was 3 years old and throughout his childhood he spent most of his summers working and fishing at Fish Lake at Nebeker’s Fish Camp, which is now Bowery Haven. At the age of 15 he rode his bike from Sigurd to Richfield to take flying lessons and receive his pilot’s license. He managed the airport at the age of 17. He wanted to enlist in the air force, but before he could he was drafted into the Army.

RL Nebeker served in the Korean War as a Constant Wave Radio Operator. While serving he was wounded and received a Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star for his heroic efforts to save his men. Afterwards he was offered a promotion, but chose to return home to his mother. They were surprised when he flew himself home from the war. He had stored his plane in Provo and flew from there over his mother’s house and waggled his wings and she hurried to the airport to greet him. As he came in over the town the men at the airport recognized the sound of his plane and knew he was home. They were upset that he didn’t let them know so the newspaper could have been there. He was honored to serve the people of South Korea, especially the men that he served with, most of which he never saw again.

RL met the love of his life, Katherine Snow, while working as a mechanic and she the bookkeeper at McKinley Chevrolet in Richfield, Utah. After he left that job he and his wife worked together side by side in the insurance industry for 36 years. Together they had 4 children: Karl (Diane) Nebeker, West Jordan; Kris (Lauralee) Nebeker, Lehi; LaNiece (Brad) Roundy, Cedar City; Leslie, (Dan) Brock, Herriman. He leaves behind a great legacy. He had 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and 3 more on the way. He loved his grandchildren and was very proud of all of them.

RL was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many positions and also worked with his wife Kathy as temple workers. He was an avid fly fisherman and spent many nights fishing on the east side of Fish Lake with his fishing buddies. He was a great friend and neighbor to everyone he met. He was a master storyteller and always loved a long visit. He was always there to help and fix anything for his neighbors, family and friends. We called him "Mr. Fix it". He especially loved working on his violins, and he put a lot of time and love into each one that he made. He was always proud to show off his latest project he was working on in the garage.

RL was a great man who was loved and will be missed by all.

Family services were held Saturday, March 28, 2020 with burial in the Richfield City Cemetery. A audio recording of the funeral and slide show will be posted for those who couldn’t come because of the Covid 19 situation. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com