Wickley "Darrel" Gubler

Wickley “Darrel” Gubler passed away peacefully Monday, August 26th, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born the first child to Wickley and Ruth Empey Gubler on November 25, 1930. His birth was closely followed by two brothers who bragged right up to their dying day that they milked more cows than he had. Growing up in LaVerkin, Utah, he spent his early years working on their family sawmill on Mt. Trumbull, Arizona. As the oldest of 10 children, he loved each one and didn’t need much encouragement to share stories and experiences about every one of them.

 In 1950 he joined the Utah National Guard 213th Mobile Field Artillery Battalion Battery B along with his brother, DeVar. He served as a corporal in active combat during the Korean war as a commander of #1 gun on a tank named “Babe”. When he returned from the war, he was smart enough to chase Carolyn Bigler. She agreed to marry him in the St. George temple on June 5, 1953 and they made their home in Las Vegas Nevada. To that union they added five children and influenced those children to continue to expand his audience of family and listeners. Darrel loved to gather with his family each summer for the “Gubler reunion” and the opportunity to spend time together. He enjoyed hunting in the mountains of Nevada in his custom 1949 CJ3A Willys Jeep with family and friends. After he retired and returned to Washington, Utah, he loved to grow a garden, especially tomatoes and share the produce.

 He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many capacities including bishopric, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group leader and many others. Many lifelong friendships and hunting trips were forged from his associations through his church service. His talents in life extended to creative mechanics. He worked as a diesel mechanic shop foreman for Greyhound Bus Lines for 37 years. He could fix anything and was willing to “fix” for every petitioner who approached him. His life was filled with service to his God, his family, his church, and his neighbors. His pride in his family ascendants and descendants is without measure, and we are sure he’s renewing many of those relationships at this very moment.

 He is survived by his children; Brent (Nancy) Gubler, Gaye (Mike) Borden, Mark (Dawna) Gubler, Darin (Karen) Gubler, Kristen (Robert) Tanner, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 brother, Charles, and four sisters Annette Johnson, Sharron Stevens, Nadine Folkerson, and Carma Maxwell.

 He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, baby sister Eyvonne, and brothers DeVar, Lynn, & Doug Gubler.

 The family would like to express gratitude for the care our dad received the last months at the Southern Utah Veterans Home and to all that have helped in his care.

 Visitation will be Thursday, September 5th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Spilsbury Hurricane Valley Mortuary. 25 North 2000 West, Hurricane, Utah. There will be a private family service on Friday, September 6th. Interment will be at the LaVerkin City Cemetery.

 Miracle in Gapyeong video of Darrel and his fellow soldiers experience in Korea: VIDEO LINK

  Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 25 North 2000 West, Hurricane, Utah. (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Darrel’s online guest registry and digital memorial page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com