Grant E. Secrist

1936 - 2026

Grant E. Secrist

1936 ~ 2026

Grant E. Secrist passed away at his home in Cedar City, Utah, on 22 January 2026 at the age of 89. Grant was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, on 8 October 1936, to his parents, Grant H. Secrist and Josephine Zueck Secrist. He grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and also spent time in Rock Springs with his beloved maternal grandparents, who significantly shaped his life. Gene, as he was known to family and close friends, learned the value of hard work at a very young age, working on local farms by age eight and delivering newspapers. He was the oldest of five boys and was expected to care for his brothers while his father was working in the trucking industry, and his mother was very involved in local civic affairs during and after World War II. His brothers (Gary, Joe, Tom, and Bill) looked to his example and leadership throughout their lives. Gene graduated from Davis High School in 1954, where he lettered in four varsity sports.

Grant continued his education at the College of Southern Utah (now Southern Utah University), where he lettered in football, baseball, and track. In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Babcock. Over the next nine years, they welcomed five children: Ted, Rick G., Susan, Michele, and David. The marriage later ended in divorce in 1977.

Grant continued his education at the University of Utah and completed a B.S. degree in Psychology. While at the University of Utah, Grant joined the Air Force ROTC, earning the Distinguished Military Graduate designation and being commissioned as an officer. He served on continuous active duty for 22 years, including assignments with the Strategic Air Command Missile Combat Crew and the Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory program. While in the Air Force, he completed a Master's Degree at Purdue University and a Ph.D. at the University of Utah. He retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel in 1981.

In 1979, Grant married Narcie Garcia Temple in San Antonio, Texas. Narcie and her son, Michael, became part of the family. Narcie was by his side for nearly 47 years. They found their way to Cedar City, Utah, where they have lived together for the last 30 years.

Following his Air Force career, Grant founded Human Performance Research Associates, where he consulted on numerous projects, including the development of High Demand Training concepts. The application of these concepts enhanced fighter pilot training, led to a long-standing relationship with Major League Baseball umpires, and supported other commercial applications.

Grant had a love of God, family, and country. He had a burning desire to leave the world and his country a better place for his children and grandchildren. He worked tirelessly to research and write, aiming to improve the trajectory of the country he loved right up to the time of his passing. He loved the beauty of the American West and was especially fond of the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. Grant also passionately pursued his family's historical roots, including early Utah pioneers and his maternal grandparents who immigrated from Northern Italy.

Grant was a loving father, grandfather, and uncle. He found a way to bond with each of his 18 grandchildren, focusing on their individual interests so that each would say they are his favorite.

Grant is survived by his wife, Narcie; his children, Ted Secrist (Sandy), Susan Phelps, Michele Swenson (Rick), David Secrist (Julie), and Michael Temple (Sherry); 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Bill Secrist (Tammy).

Services will be held at 12:00 pm on 3 February 2026 at Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 N 300 W, Cedar City, Utah. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at the Southern Utah National Cemetery in Cedar City under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be shared at www.mortuary.org. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund or a disabled veteran's organization.