Val Rae Egbert

Val Rae Egbert, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on August 15, 1945, in Fairview, Idaho, Val was the son of Milford John (Jack) and Melba Allen Egbert. Growing up as one of nine children — six brothers and two sisters — he learned early on the value of hard work, loyalty, and looking out for one another. Those early years shaped the steady, good-humored, and deeply devoted man he became.

From 1965 to 1967, Val proudly served in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, achieving the rank of Specialist 4. While in the service, he married Barbara Cook on July 15, 1967. After completing his military service, the couple settled in Logan, Utah, where they raised their four children: Mike, Tamie, Tracie, and Lisa. Val was a devoted father, always present and always happiest when surrounded by his family.

Following in the footsteps of his father and working alongside his brother, Val entered the Heating and Air Conditioning trade. Through dedication, skill, and a strong work ethic, he built a successful business—one that allowed him to retire at the remarkable age of 50. His craftsmanship, integrity, and reliability earned him the respect of both customers and colleagues.

Val had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether he was fishing, hunting, golfing, or simply spending time in nature, he found peace and joy under open skies. The mountains, rivers, and fairways were places where he felt most at home, and many of his happiest memories were made there.

Later in life, after his divorce from Barbara, Val found companionship again and married Judy Walker, with whom he shared nearly 26 years of marriage. Their life together brought him comfort, partnership, and many cherished memories.

Val was preceded in death by his parents, Milford John (Jack) and Melba Allen Egbert, and his brothers Dennis, Joseph Farrel, and Teryl.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his children, Mike, Tamie (Cory) Martin, Tracie (Jeremy) Panter, and Lisa; his two bonus daughters, Kim (Jeff) Redd and Ginger (Jon) Perry; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren, with one more expected in July. He is also survived by his siblings Blaine, Ronald, Charlene, Jack, and Kathleen.

The family would like to give a special thanks to sweet Jamie from Symbii for her love, care, joking, and teasing with Val, which brought him comfort and joy. They also extend heartfelt gratitude to Hidden Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility for the kindness, compassion, and attentive care they provided.

A Celebration of Dad’s Life will be held May 2nd 2:00-4:00pm in his Honor at the Smithfield Senior Center 375 Canyon Road, Smithfield Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter, honoring Val’s lifelong love for animals.

Dad will be remembered for his gentle nature, his unwavering kindness, and the deep love he held for those closest to him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the work he took pride in, and the countless moments of warmth and connection he created throughout his life.

The Fisherman’s Prayer

I pray that I may live to fish

until my dying day.

And when it comes to my last cast,

I then most humbly pray,

When in the Lord’s great landing net

and peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I be judged

Big Enough to Keep.