Preston Empey

1926-2014
Preston Empey, 87, loving husband, father and grandfather returned home on March 19, 2014 to reunite with parents, brothers, sister and grandson, Ethan Empey. Preston was born on September, 11, 1926 to Hyrum Bryner and Mary Ann Harradence Empey in St. George, Utah. He was the youngest of 7 children and spent the first years of his life growing up and working on his family's farm in St. George. He graduated from Dixie Junior College High School in 1944. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Sea Bee from 1944 to 1947. He loved music and played the clarinet and saxophone in several naval bands in the South Pacific and China during WWII and in Port Hueneme, CA, where he met Glenna Grant. They were married on June 5, 1948 (later solemnized in the Manti Temple in1964). Preston graduated from Dixie College in 1949 and received his degree in music from BYU in 1952. The majority of Preston's work career was spent in the dairy industry. In 1953, he worked for Cloverleaf Dairy in Provo, where he quickly became manager. He transferred to Tooele in 1963 with Highland Dairy, which was later acquired by Cream O' Weber. He was a home delivery and milk distributor for 57 years. He did not retire until the age of 83. He and his milk trucks were known by many in the Tooele valley. Preston's talent and love of music was shared continually through various church callings in the LDS church. He directed numerous ward and stake choirs, countless church services and orchestras for church musical productions (The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof). Preston grew up in an era when your value came from how hard you worked. He was loyal and loved his family, his church, his country and his many customers. We will miss his generous heart and sense of humor. He is survived by his wife (Glenna), his 5 children, Robert Empey, Kerry Hatch (Kyle), Jan Lorensen (Preston), Kendall Empey (Teri) and Tracie Sexton (Ted). He also has 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. The family wishes to express special thanks and gratitude to the staff of CNS Hospice Care. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday March 25 at the Skyline LDS Church, 777 Skyline Dr., Tooele. Viewings will be held at the same church on Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 PM and on Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. Interment at Tooele City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the National Association of Senior Veterans (www.NASV.org) are encouraged. Services entrusted with Diderickson Memorial (435-277-0050).