David Rex Farley

Our wonderful brother, uncle, and good friend David Rex Farley returned home to his Heavenly Father on February 2, 2023 in Clearfield, Utah. David passed away after a lifetime of health challenges. Sweet Uncle Dave is free.

David was born the youngest of six children to William Max and Hazel Ann Dudley Farley on October 31,1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He loved having a Halloween birthday and was proud to be named after a beloved Uncle. “Little Dave” was loved by his family and his siblings would playfully argue who got to hold him next. He constantly had a smile on his face. At the tender age of 2, David was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and was unable to walk without the use of crutches. David was unstoppable though and accomplished countless things! 

The Farley Family lived for many years in the Hawthorne Ward, surrounded by wonderful people and lifelong friends. So many adored David and were supportive of him throughout his life. As a child, David loved playing “Batman and Robin”, with Army guy action figures, being held for a bike ride, going on family hunting and fishing trips, and watching all sports. David loved going to his grandparents house. He was a wonderful student in school. David especially loved history and could tell you many facts about the United States, especially about wars and inspiring leaders. He loved the symbols of the United States, especially the flag and eagles. David graduated from Highland High School.  We will always remember how the students of his graduating class gave him a standing ovation as he came across the stage. 

David was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. With the support of his family and a loving ward, David worked hard to prepare and was called as a full-time missionary for the church. He was assigned to labor in the Texas San Antonio mission for two years in 1986. David loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing his testimony with others. His mission was one of the happiest times of his life and he had many wonderful experiences. In the MTC, Elders in his district would carry his wheelchair up the stairs to the cafeteria and they would call him “King David”. He LOVED Texas and inspired many by his hard work, incredible attitude, and love for the people. Mission companions and friends from his time in Texas meant so much to David. When meeting his family, many from his mission would say that Elder Farley was an amazing and hardworking missionary. His love for Texas continued throughout his life! 

After serving an honorable mission, David attended LDS Business College and graduated in 1993 with a degree in finance and accounting. Again, his supportive classmates stood and gave him a standing ovation as he used his crutches to go across the stage. A photo of him receiving his diploma (with two apostles of the church standing by) was printed in the newspaper. Dave’s smile lit up the stage! 

After college, David worked for many years as a bookkeeper for The Lamp Company in Salt Lake City. He loved his time there and the many friends he made. 

Uncle Dave LOVED his family. He was thoughtful to call on birthdays. He was quick to make jokes and was constantly laughing. David loved movies, especially documentaries on history and action-packed shows. David was a fan of music and especially loved Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Eagles, and The Doobie Brothers. David adored his Mother and Father. He was best friends with his siblings. He loved hearing updates about his nieces and nephews and was excited with the births of new babies in the family. He would make sure to buy little surprises for his family. He was constantly thinking of others and what movie or fast food gift card they would want. He loved going to Crown Burger with his brothers and having quarters on hand to buy a Mountain Dew. David loved when the little kids in his family would come Trick or Treat with him at his care center because not only was it a fun holiday, but also his birthday to celebrate! 

David’s oldest brother Bill loved spending time with him and would take him on family trips with their family. They loved going to St. George to see their Aunt Phyllis, Yellowstone, and even did a Disneyland trip together. Bill would take him fishing and to look for deer in the mountains. Bill loved checking on Dave throughout the week and would always joke and tease with him. They loved attending Salt Lake Bees baseball games together. Bill always made sure Dave was part of things and knew how loved he was. It was very special for the Farley children to have Uncle Dave at many family parties and events. It was always a bright spot having Dave around.

David was special. He was a gift to our family. His attitude of optimism and finding the joy in things was inspiring. All he wanted was for people to be happy and constantly was showing his gratitude for all things. He loved his family, his Savior, and everyone around him. We already miss him so much.

David is survived by his sister Linda (Bob) Ith and sister-in-law Teresa Farley. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. 

David was preceded in death by his grandparents, beloved parents, and four siblings: William, Alan, Steven, and Marilyn. We smile thinking of their exciting reunion with their baby brother. We know they are already off having fun and looking for “the big one” (elk) in Heaven. David can be "free as a bird now" and surrounded with the ones he has missed so much. 

The family would like to thank the many people who cared for and loved Dave in this life. Many neighbors and ward members always checked on him when he lived at the family home in Salt Lake and then later on in Kaysville. David also lived for several years at Chancellor Gardens in Clearfield, and then later Rocky Mountain Care Center. We are forever grateful for the loving care he received and for the hard work of many nurses and doctors to make him feel comfortable and loved. We also want to express gratitude for his hospice nurses who made his final days so comfortable. 

We love you Uncle Dave. We are grateful that we are an eternal family and will see you again. Please give everyone a big hug from us.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for you to find a way to serve someone today or to contribute to the church missionary fund. 

There will be a private graveside service. Interment will be at the Redwood Memorial Estates in West Jordan, Utah.