Roger Watson Doxey

Roger Watson Doxey

July 28, 1934 – April 30, 2026

A magnificent man returned to the arms of his loving Heavenly Father on April 30, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jewell; his five daughters: Holly (Michael) Green, Downy (Todd) Marshall, Cecily Doxey, Heather (Robert) Lagore, and Laurel (Benjamin) Ludwig; as well as 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, all who carry forward his legacy of faith, kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family.

Roger W. Doxey was born on July 28, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Graham Hayes Doxey and Leone Blanche Watson. He was the youngest of four children, Margery Hatch (deceased), Graham W. Doxey (deceased), and David W. Doxey. He shared a close lifelong bond with his siblings.

Roger spent his early childhood in Salt Lake City. He was introduced to missionary work at the age of nine, when his father was called to serve as Mission President in Louisville, Kentucky, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From an early age, Roger demonstrated faith, commitment, and a servant’s heart that would define his character and selfless service throughout his life. As a young man, Roger was called to serve in the Kentucky-Tennessee East Central States Mission for the LDS Church. During his service, he and his companion constructed a small chapel in the hills of Tennessee, where he became beloved, and a legend among the people living on “The Ridge.” This experience reflected the kind of man Roger had become — hardworking, compassionate, resourceful, and always willing to build, strengthen and uplift others in a gentle, loving way.

Roger attended Brigham Young University, earning a degree in Business Administration. While at BYU, he served as President of the Bricker Fraternity and was voted “The Most Preferred Man on Campus”.

On April 14, 1961, Roger married his eternal sweetheart, Jewell Ainsworth, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their 65 year marriage began with a three month honeymoon throughout Europe which sparked their love for travel and adventure, as well as meeting and serving people around the world. Together they created a beautiful life centered on their love for each other, their children, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Roger showered Jewell with everything she ever dreamed of in life. He was the perfect husband… her “Prince”.

Roger was a gifted entrepreneur, builder, and visionary. Professionally, he served as a Vice President of Terracor Corporation and Project Manager in the development of Bloomington, Utah. Over the years, Roger and his brothers participated in the construction and development of Foothill Village Shopping Center, the Doxey-Layton Medical Center, and residential homes throughout the Salt Lake Valley, Nevada, and California. He also worked as Administrator of the Doxey-Hatch Medical Center.

In 1991 Roger worked in the Republic of Armenia, formally the Soviet Union, as the General Manager for Huntsman Chemical Corporation. He oversaw a concrete plant which assisted in rebuilding homes following the devastating 1988 Armenian earthquake. During their time there, Roger and Jewell played an instrumental role in helping to establish the LDS Church, with nearly 100 baptisms in the first year. They developed a deep love for the Armenian people and maintained treasured friendships throughout their lives.

One of Roger’s greatest joys was serving as Mission President for the LDS Church in the Columbia, South Carolina Mission, alongside his precious Jewell. Together they touched countless lives through their Christlike example and faithful service. They continue to have a close relationship with their missionaries and love them as if they were family. They also served as a Hosting Couple for the LDS Church on Temple Square. Roger served in many callings including two bishoprics and twice as a High Councilor. He dedicated himself to strengthening testimonies, lifting others, and serving the Lord with humility and love.

Roger was a man of many talents and passions. He was a skilled pilot rated in twin engine Instrument Flight Rules and loved flying his Cessna and Bonanza. He loved boating, sailing and had a lifelong passion for cars. He was famously mechanical — there was little he could not repair or improve. He loved electronics, computers, and gadgets, embracing new technology with curiosity and enthusiasm. He delighted in learning, building, fixing, and creating. An artist in every sense of the word, he appreciated beauty, craftsmanship, creativity, and thoughtful design. As an accomplished carpenter, he loved to work with wood, making Christmas gifts, toys, and furniture. He was passionate about preserving memories. As a lover of history, and especially family history, he was deliberate in documenting, filming, and photographing his own family’s life, ensuring their story would be remembered for generations. While many consider retirement a time to slow down, Roger instead founded and operated The Memory Keepers.

Roger was gentle by nature, bringing kindness, compassion, and a genuine interest to those around him. He adored his daughters and gave generously of his time, talents, and resources to help them. Though he pursued opportunities with courage, creativity, and vision, no achievement ever mattered more to him than his family. He was never too busy to help his children and grandchildren, always encouraging and supporting them in every way he could to help them realize their dreams.

He cared deeply for animals and the natural world. His compassion for birds, squirrels, and all creatures reflected the gentleness and kindness that defined him. He would often whistle, and the animals would come to him for a peanut… like bluebirds landing in the palm of his hand, or squirrels sitting on his knee. He especially loved Tucker, his little dog, who was his cherished companion.

Roger was known by many titles: “The Prince”, “President”, “Dad”, “Daddy”, “PaPa”, “Poppa Rog”, “Roger Ramjet”, “The Corvette Cowboy”, “The Memory Keeper”, “The Gadget Guy”, “Captain of the Pau Hana” - his sailboat, “Honey-Do Handyman”, and “The Tech Wiz”. Above all, he was a devoted Disciple of Jesus Christ.

We honor our dear husband, father, grandfather, and friend for the nobility of his soul, the purity of his heart, his obedient spirit, and his inexhaustible dedication to the work of the Master.

To our beloved Roger — We look forward to spending eternity with you.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will receive friends and family members prior to the service at the Stake Center from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

A viewing will be held the evening of Monday, May 18th, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89384493017