Joseph Dean Secrist

“Walk softly and carry a big stick” –Joe Secrist

He wasn’t just an amazing grandfather, father, and husband. He was what a great friend should be. Joe and Carrolyn were childhood sweethearts till the end. Not many 70 year olds could keep up with their young families but it was us trying to keep up with him. His support was endless, he never missed a horse show, baseball game, or anything that his children/grandchildren did. He would drive thousands of miles to support their dreams.

Joe was born to Grant & Josephine Secrist in Bountiful Utah. He had four brothers and out of the five boys 4 of them were star athletes. They grew up playing baseball and football together. Each one of them had a competitive nature that carried on through their own families. Joe had a deep love for his family and spent summers in Rock Springs Wyoming, at his Grandparents home. There he would ride horses in the Wind River Mountains with his Uncles. As a teenager, he spent several hours playing baseball, perfecting his game. As a young adult, he tried out for the local triple A team the “Salt Lake City Gulls” and made the cut. However, he also had a passion for the Quarter Horse Industry. Joe and his wife became very well respected western stock horse trainers in Utah. Their program took home several winnings of prestigious horse shows nationwide including Reserve World Titles.

Joe would tell you the best choice he made in his life was to marry his high school sweetheart Carrolyn Swain. They were married for 55 years, and loved every minute that they could spend together. Joe & Carrolyn were especially proud of their family; their eldest Robbin Jung, her husband Mike Jung, their youngest Ferrin Secrist and his wife Jaylynn Secrist, their Grandchildren Holden, Riley, Kelsey, Hayden, Jarrett, Bubbles, Siniva, Colten & Quentin and their Great grandchildren Ledger & Lincoln. Grandpa Joe spent most of his free time either at a baseball game, Go Kart race or at a horseshow watching and cheering on his grandkids. He would drive thousands of miles to support them. Because of his knowledge of the game of baseball he wasn’t just an inspiration to his family but to several young baseball players. Joe taught us all to never quit, always work harder than the guy standing next to you and to always be prepared because you never know when it is going to be your turn to be in the spotlight. He was loved by all that met him except maybe an umpire or two.

The endless love and support he gave us is something that will never be replaced.  

Born Jan. 11, 1941 in Bountiful Utah to Grant and Josephine Secrist. Attended Bountiful High. Survived by his loving wife Carrolyn, daughter Robbin & her husband Mike Jung, son Ferrin & his wife Jaylynn Secrist; Grandchildren (9), Great Grandchildren (2). Brothers Gene & Billy Secrist.  Preceded in death by his mother, father and Brothers Gary & Tom Secrist.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday January 24, 2020 at the West Bountiful  4th ward chapel, 1930 North 600 West, West Bountiful Utah.  A viewing will be held at the chapel from 9:00am to 10:45am prior to the service.  Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com 

In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover funeral expenses would be appreciated.  Please contact America First Credit Union and place donations under Joe or Carrolyn Secrist.