1st Lt. Jeff W. Horrocks

[ironputts]

September 5, 2021

1st Lt. Jeff W. Horrocks
Castle Valley Composite Squadron
Utah Wing

Jeffery Wayne Horrocks, 71, passed away surrounded by family on August 15, 2021.

Jeff was born in Park City, Utah on January 4, 1950 to LaMar and Willadine Goff Horrocks. He is survived in death by his wife, Shawna Horrocks and four children, Kris (Morgan) Hatch, Holly Horrocks, D.J. (Ally) Horrocks, and Destiny Horrocks. Jeff is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Tameron, Wendee, Sarah (Paden), Kayela, Chance (Myranda), Tyson, Savannah, Madison, and four great grandkids, Elijah, Blayze, Knox and RubiAnn. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Jim (Diane), Kathryn, Mike, Randy (Debbie), his mother, Dorthea Horrocks, and his half siblings, Marvin Hackwell and Billie Hackwell Kraul.

Some people watch their heroes on TV, we were able to live with ours. Jeff was born in Park  City and his family then moved to Payson, UT where his father worked as a Utah Highway Patrol Officer. When Jeff was two years old, he tragically lost his mother and went to stay with his grandmother in Park City. His father later remarried Dorthea Cox and they raised their family in Spanish Fork. Jeff graduated from Spanish Fork High School where he lettered three years in wrestling. He then attended Utah Technical College where he earned a certificate of proficiency in diesel and heavy-duty mechanics. Jeff joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1965 where he traveled all over the world until he was released with an honorable discharge in 1974. In 1984, he enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves until he retired from the armed forces of the United States in 1997.

In 1974, Jeff graduated from the Utah Police Academy and was hired by the Utah Highway Patrol. He received multiple certifications as he continued to broaden his education in law enforcement. He was promoted to a sergeant working out of the Price office. He retired in 2003 after 29 years of service.

Jeff had many other opportunities to serve the community. He was a council member for Cleveland Town and later was elected to the position of mayor where he served for 10 years. He was elected as Emery County Commissioner in 2007 and served two terms in this position.

Jeff married Tamara Whitely in 1970 and they had two beautiful daughters together, Kristina and Holly Horrocks. They raised their family in Orangeville, Utah until they divorced in 1990. In 1992 Jeff married Shawna O'Rafferty and his family grew even larger with the birth of Dylan Jeff (D.J.) and Destiny Horrocks. They built their lives together in Cleveland, Utah where they have spent the past 29 years.

Jeff loved his family more than anything. He enjoyed being a part of the Civil Air Patrol in Price where he mentored young people. He loved to fly, travel and fish. His hobbies included taking pictures of sunsets, playing guitar and spending time up Joe's Valley. He was always helping his family and friends with projects. Jeff was our John Wayne and he fought cancer for 13 years, never once complaining. He amazed everyone with his resilience as he fought this battle. It didn't matter how bad he was feeling he always had kind words for those who were caring for him.

Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Willadine Goff Horrocks; father, LaMar Horrocks; granddaughter, Tiawna Hatch; and his grandparents, aunts and uncle.