Robert Paul Imes

Robert Paul Imes, 81, of Sevier, Utah, returned home peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of family in the home he built and cherished.

Born December 15, 1943, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to parents who taught him the value of hard work and faith, Robert’s early years were marked by resilience and curiosity. He grew up in Dyer, Indiana, and after graduation, set off on an adventure — hitchhiking all the way to Seattle to attend the World’s Fair. There, he worked two jobs before deciding to move back home to look for a job. Once back, he worked a couple of odd jobs before signing papers with the Navy, but after more thought, he ultimately decided to join the United States Air Force, where he was first stationed in California.

While in California, he met and married Kathe Jackson, and together they lived in Alaska, California, and eventually Las Vegas, Nevada, where Robert began a long and accomplished career as an ironworker. His craftsmanship left a lasting mark on the Las Vegas skyline, contributing to the construction of landmarks such as Circus Circus, the MGM, the Sahara, Bally’s, the International Hotel, and the Luxor. To this day, his name can be found on an I-beam at the Marshmallow Factory, a testament to his humor and pride in his work.

Robert and Kathe shared three children and a love for laughter and dancing in the kitchen. After their separation, Robert spent two years as a devoted single father before marrying Patricia (Brady) Imes in the St. George Utah Temple. Together, they raised four more children, creating a home filled with laughter, music, and compassion.

In 1995, Robert fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a home he designed himself in Kamiah, Idaho, lovingly named Almost Heaven. In 2006, he and Patty moved to Sevier, Utah, to care for Patty’s father. Robert worked as a janitor at Monroe Middle School, where he became known for his kindness, humor, and the way he made every student feel seen and valued.

Robert had a gift for connecting with people. He carried an envelope with a hundred dollars, ready to share with anyone he felt prompted to help. About fifteen years ago, he began a unique hobby — giving rides to hitchhikers. Inspired by his own 2,200-mile adventure at eighteen, he eventually gave rides to 92 people, proudly noting that only one ever gave him a bad feeling. His family often joked that they weren’t sure who was more at risk — the hitchhikers or Dad behind the wheel.

He loved to laugh and delighted in surprising others. Whether pulling out a “diamond clip” for a cashier or sharing his favorite joke — that the longest word in the English language is smiles, because there’s a mile between the S’s — Robert spread joy wherever he went.

He loved music, especially the song “I Believe” by Frankie Laine, which he first heard at age eight. The line “I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way” resonated deeply throughout his life. Having been placed in foster care as a child, he always felt that the Lord sent people to guide him when he needed it most. At 27, he found his spiritual home when he was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, crediting the missionaries as those who “came to show him the way.”

Robert is preceded in death by his former wife Kathe (Jackson) Lessley, and his wife Patricia (Brady) Imes, and is survived by his children: Cinthia McRae, Robert Imes, Daniel Imes, Joseph (Jennifer) Imes, Anna (Andrew) Christensen, Joshua (Andrea) Imes, and Rebecca Imes; and his grandchildren: Jesse Mendez, Dallas Evans, Jordan Evans, Cory Imes, Amber Imes, Sarah Christensen, Evelyn Christensen, Amy Christensen, Brady Imes, Birkley Imes, and Bridger Imes.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Utah. The following morning, Friday, October 17th, there will be a viewing at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house, 75 North Center Street, in Elsinore, Utah, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. at the same chapel in Elsinore, Utah, followed by burial at 2:00 p.m. in the Panguitch Cemetery.
Funeral Directors Magleby Mortuary of Richfield, Salina & Manti.

Robert’s life was one of laughter, love, and faith — a life that taught his family and friends to look for joy in the simple moments and to never hesitate to help a stranger. His mark will remain not just on the buildings he helped construct, but on the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.