Fran Cherry

Francis Roy Cherry Jr., known as "Fran", passed away peacefully at his home in Highland, Utah, on November 13, 2024, at the age of 80. Fran's life was defined by dedication to family, his love of Diet Coke, and his remarkable sense of fun. He leaves a legacy that his family and friends will cherish.

Born on March 1, 1944, in Ogden, Utah, to Francis Roy Cherry Sr. and Laura Elizabeth Daley Cherry, Fran's early years were filled with family and adventure. Named after his father, who was serving in World War II when he was born, Fran grew up with a sense of family pride and duty. His childhood memories included attending Pingree Elementary, walking home for lunch each day, and fishing with his grandparents on Chalk Creek near Coalville. He cherished time spent with his mother, who taught him hand quilting, and he loved helping her deliver meals to Relief Society sisters in his little red wagon.

At the age of 12, Fran's family moved to Price, Utah, where he learned the value of hard work. He spent summers bailing hay, building a church, and exploring the outdoors. Fran was active in school, excelled in wrestling, played the saxophone in the dance band, and served as Senior Class President. He graduated from Carbon High School in Price. But, it was in tenth grade that he caught the eye of Patricia Casey as he rode his bike home from school-a moment that would change his life forever. Six years later, they married on September 2, 1966, in the Manti Temple, beginning a journey together filled with love, laughter, and unending love.

A dedicated student, Fran earned degrees from the College of Eastern Utah, Brigham Young University in Zoology, and a master's degree at the University of Wisconsin in Urban and Regional Planning. His career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spanned 40 years, taking him across the country from Vernal, Utah, to Denver, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Roswell, New Mexico, Billings, Montana, and Anchorage, Alaska. He retired as the Deputy Director of the BLM in Washington, D.C., and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service.

Fran's life was rich with hobbies and passions. An avid reader, he sometimes swapped his scriptures for a novel, hidden behind a discreet book cover at church. He loved woodworking, crafting furniture and toys to delight his grandchildren, and he was known to bake cookies daily-often adding extra chocolate chips for his cherished grandkids. He made magical memories with his family, especially around holidays, with traditions such as Halloween sugar cookies, The Christmas March, New Year's Eve curly fries and batter-fried steak. He loved to draw, paint, and build rockets, sparking curiosity in his grandchildren with every project. Above all, Fran's gift for storytelling, especially about how he fell in love with Patricia, brought joy to all who knew him.

Fran is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, and his siblings: Lola (Cedar City, Utah), Stephen (Shar) of Vernal, Utah, and Laura Lee of Rose Park, Utah. He is also survived by his children: Jonathan (Ann Marie) of Whitehall, Montana; MaryAnn (Justin) Jones of American Fork, Utah; David (Brooke) of Highland, Utah; and daughter-in-law Colleen Duncan Cherry of Billings, Montana. His grandchildren, whom he adored and lovingly called him "Goompa," include Meagan (Ben) Nielsen of Belgrade, Montana; Bridger (Katie) Cherry of Lehi, Utah; Hunter (Nicole) Cherry of Smithfield, Utah; Joshua (Hannah) Cherry of Taylorsville, Utah; Madison (Brian) Frantz of Cedar Hills, Utah; Morgan (Josh) McMullan of Vandenberg, California; Emily (Brayden) Giles of Provo, Utah; Hannah (David) Esguerra of Springville, Utah; Marley Jones of American Fork, Utah; J. Mitchell Jones of American Fork, Utah; and Harper Hudson of Highland, Utah. Fran has seven great-grandchildren and two more are joining the family very soon. Fran was preceded in death by his parents, son Russell Cherry, and grandson TaylorJones.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at 10494 N 4720 West, Highland, Utah. A viewing from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. will be held prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Highland City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Anderson Mortuary.

Fran's warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the stories, laughter, and memories he leaves behind.