Apr. 9, 1936 - Apr. 15, 2026
Date of Service: Apr. 25, 2026
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BURLEY – Donald Rex Gerratt, a 90-year-old resident of Burley, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home.
He was born on April 9, 1936, in Heyburn, Idaho, to Donald Wayne and Ann Bailey Gerratt. From the beginning, Rex had a love for simple joys. He and his brother Larry played in irrigation ditches and fished with nothing more than a string and a bent nail.
At age 11, his family moved to the Unity area near Burley, Idaho, where his lifelong love of farming began to take root. Rex loved animals, especially dogs and ponies, and enjoyed riding his bike through the countryside. Early on, his father instilled in him the value of hard work, offering Rex and Larry the opportunity to farm potatoes and care for the family’s milk cows. With determination and grit, the boys earned enough to each purchase their own milk cow, eventually growing their herd to twelve Holstein cows by 1952. Even as a teenager, Rex was already building the foundation of what would become a lifelong passion and livelihood.
Rex graduated from Burley High School in 1954, where he served as Senior Class President, played football four years and ran the half-mile in track. After graduation, he worked at JCPenney and at a potato processing plant, gaining valuable life lessons that would serve him well. He also attended Utah State University for a short time.
On November 9, 1955, Rex married his sweetheart and neighbor, Marjorie Crane, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, raising nine children and teaching them the same values that guided Rex’s life.
Rex dedicated many years to serving in dairy organizations at the national, state, and regional levels, helping to promote and strengthen the dairy industry he loved so much. His leadership and influence took him across the United States. He served as the first Chairman of the Idaho Dairy Commission and helped organize the United Dairymen of Idaho. His contributions were recognized with induction into the Idaho Dairy Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1993, he received the Area Service Award from the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce.
Though successful in business, Rex valued people above all. He often expressed deep gratitude for his brother Larry, his business partners, and the many individuals who supported and worked with him. Often he expressed gratitude for good bankers, attorneys and employees. He believed strongly in unity, respect, and shared responsibility. Their business was not just family-owned—it was family-run in the truest sense, built on trust and mutual care. Even through difficult times, Rex remained steady and grateful for the many blessings they experienced.
Rex had a special gift for building and creating. Whether building barns, corrals, or fences, he could envision the finished product from the very beginning. He took great pride in his work and found joy in improving the land he loved. His connection to the farm and his cows was deep and enduring.
His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. Rex was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including Ward Clerk, Bishop, Stake Clerk, Oakley Idaho Stake President, Regional Representative, and Mission President of the Manila Philippines Mission. He later served as an Area Seventy, a member of the Idaho Area Presidency, and in the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He also served in the Philippines Area Presidency four years as a counselor to Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Richard J. Maynes, and later as Area President.
Rex and Marjorie cherished the seven years spent in the Philippines, growing to love the missionaries they served with and the Filipino people. Their shared service strengthened their bond and created lasting memories.
Together, they also served as the first President and Matron of the Twin Falls Idaho Temple and continued as temple workers for twelve years. Their devotion to the temple and their faith was a cornerstone of their lives.
Rex and Marjorie enjoyed seeing the world and travelled from Antarctica to China to Australia. However, the Stanley Basin and the Sawtooth mountains held a special place in their hearts. There, Rex found peace in camping, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
Above all, Rex loved his family. He was deeply grateful for his beloved wife, Marjorie, and treasured the life they built together. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found joy in every moment spent with them.
Rex is survived by his children, Mary Ann (Dan Clayton), Alan (Kayla), Darlene (Glen Fish), Dale (Becky), Carolyn (Kevin Wood), Lynn (Shalawn), David (Bonnie), Steven (Michelle), and Donald (Julie); 45 grandchildren; 92 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Larry (Barbara) Gerratt, and their family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Marjorie, in December 2024; his parents, Don and Ann Bailey Gerratt; two grandsons, Spencer Gerratt and John Clayton; and a great- granddaughter, Aliza Bingham also preceded him in death.
The family would like to thank the caregivers who have kindly served their father this past year.
Rex’s life was one of quiet strength, steady faith, and deep love—for his family, his work, and his Savior, Jesus Christ. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he raised, and the example he set.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – Unity Ward Building, located at 275 S. 250 E., Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery, Burley.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Rasmussen- Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, Burley, and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Saturday, preceding the funeral, at the church.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/hDNcXV3UYHY.
