Bobby Hewitt Baldree

Bobby Hewitt Baldree passed away peacefully at his home in Centerville, Utah, surrounded by family, on the afternoon of December 22, 2025.

Bobby was born on August 20, 1937, to Joseph and Nancy Baldree in Nash County, North Carolina. He was the 11th of 17 children and one of two sets of twins.

From a very young age, he labored alongside his family, farming tobacco and other crops in North Carolina. Bobby attended school throughout North Carolina and graduated from Maury High School.

He served with his twin brother in the U.S. Army for three years, including two years in Japan.

Bobby graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education and devoted years more to advanced study after receiving his bachelor’s degree.

While attending BYU, Bobby met and fell in love with his wife, Marlene Yates. They were married on September 16, 1960, in the Logan Utah Temple. Together they raised seven children.

He retired after 30 years of teaching in Salt Lake and Davis counties, finishing his career at Boulton Elementary. His dedication to education was recognized when he was awarded Teacher of the Year.

Bobby had a passion for gardening and fishing. He kept an immaculate vegetable garden, flower garden, and yard—often compared to a patch of heaven. He shared his bounty generously with family, friends, and neighbors. He could grow anything and make it thrive. A family favorite was peanuts; yearly harvest and peanut-boil day were beloved traditions. He loved fishing from the shore, a boat, on the ice, or on the ocean.

Family was most important to him; he was a dedicated and wonderful husband, father, and Grandad. Baldree family reunions were a special priority, with frequent—almost annual—travels to North Carolina, maintaining a strong bond with family. Pig pickings, barbecue, and feasting were favorite parts of these gatherings.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in a variety of callings.

Bobby was dearly loved by his family, friends, neighbors, students, and community, and will truly be missed.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, his children: Sherry Yost, Troy (Peggy), Rory, Sharla Johnson (Steven), Zane (Kelly), and Preston, 21 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 8 siblings: Dean, Larry, Charles (twin), Laurlie, Lou, Mark, Ellen, and Rex. He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 siblings, daughter Sheela, and granddaughter Zeesha.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Centerville South Stake Center, 270 North 300 East, Centerville, Utah. A visitation and viewing will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will take place at the Centerville Cemetery, 650 East 400 South.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.