Karl Frederick Utley

1934 - 2025

Karl Frederick Utley

March 27, 1934 - June 17, 2025

Karl Frederick Utley, 91, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mildred Utley; his sister, Janet Anderson; his brother, Raymond Cawthon; and his beloved son, Clay Utley. Karl is survived by his wife, Patsy, whom he often referred to as the "love of his life"; his children, Susan Loan (Jerry), Craig Utley, and Martha Kroupa (Brenda); his grandchildren, Kate, Aimee, and Sam; and his great-grandchildren, Mena, Maleah, and Gabriel. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Cawthon; his nephews, Freddie and Lee Rose; and his niece, Heather Dean (Allen); and sisters-in-law, Helen Terry, Marjorie Kay, Judy Williams, and Paula Pardue; and by Patsy's daughters, Susan Bowman (Jeff) and Sarah Jarvis (Rick), and their children, Caroline, Laura, Emily, Matt, Molly, Annie, and Maddie, all of whom he was very close to and who lovingly considered him a wonderful grandpa with many cherished memories. Karl devoted 44 years of his career to RF&P Railroad, where he worked as a dispatcher. After retiring from the railroad, he spent another 25 years at Burkwood Recreation Center, where he enjoyed working, meeting great friends, and playing tennis. In retirement, he took great pleasure in gardening, observing local wildlife, playing guitar, and woodworking. He will be remembered for his fun-loving nature, great sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. In his younger years, he was also a talented baseball player, a passion that brought him great joy and recognition.

A memorial service to celebrate Karl's life will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 11 a.m., at Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, VA.