Kay Sherman Mortensen

Kay Sherman Mortensen was brutally murdered in his home on Mon., Nov. 16, 2009. This world is a less interesting place with Kay’s passing. He leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, teaching, farming, patriotism, and a fervent testimony and love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Kay was born to Sherman and Roxie Mortensen in Ephraim, UT on July 6, 1939. He was the oldest of siblings Roxane, Niel, Lee (deceased), and Fern M. Caka. Kay spent his youth helping his father farm, raise sheep, and hunt. He developed a love for the land, farming equipment, and raising livestock. He continued this avocation throughout his life, raising cows and crops in Utah County. Kay graduated from Snow College, Utah State University, and finally from the University of Utah where he received a Ph.D. in Metallurgy. After working a few years in industry, Kay became a faculty member at Brigham Young University where he taught courses in manufacturing design, engineering technology, and mechanical engineering. He was a well-known and respected scholar and teacher for over three decades at BYU, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students alike. His lectures were known for not only their scholarly content, but his farming and other stories that piqued the interest of students and illustrated practical application for the principles he taught. Kay believed in self-preparedness, both spiritually and physically. He loved to talk and debate issues with colleagues, friends, and family, and loved to make his ideas and opinions known especially on topics like global warming and politics. Kay was married to Hermona Anderson. They had four children: Roger (Pam), Julie Farnsworth (Mark), Janet (deceased), and Paul (Corina). Kay later married Darla Pectol Jones, the love of his life. Darla and Kay spent the last 18 months on a mission for the LDS Church at Cove Fort Historical Site in the Utah Provo Mission. They were released from this service three weeks ago. The mission experience was the highlight of their lives, and fulfilled his life-long desire to serve a mission. Kay is survived by siblings, children, two-step children, Brady (Vanette) Jones and Tara (Darren) Hunsaker, nieces and nephews, and eleven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in the Payson South Stake Center (711 S 600 E) on Sat., Nov. 21 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm at the Walker Mortuary (587 S 100 W, Payson), and from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to the service on Saturday at the Stake Center. Kay will be interred in the Ephraim City Cemetery.