Kent Wright Dayley

Kent was born on March 11th, 1930 in Pocatello, Idaho. He was the second of five sons born to Porteious Lyle Dayley and Bessie Lorraine Wright.

In 1935, they moved to a home on Cottage Avenue. Kent attended grade school at Lincoln Elementary on North Main Street, Irving Junior High, and Pocatello High School graduating Class of 1948. He enjoyed marching and pep band, playing the clarinet, and attending dances.

In his youth, Kent received various awards associated with his church attendance. He participated as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he enjoyed the outings and achievements.

Kent was unable to serve in the U.S. Military due to a detected heart condition but lived a long and healthy life. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern California Mission from 1951 to 1953. Later, in 1988, he also served a mission with his wife, Geneve Hatch, to the Australia Adelaide Mission. He and Geneve had a wonderful experience with their time in the outback with the Aboriginal people located in the Northern Territory, whom they grew to love.

A short time following the successful completion of his mission to California, he resumed a courtship with his high school sweetheart, Geneve Hatch. They married on March 19, 1954 in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kent and Geneve had two daughters and three sons, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grand children. He worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier where he often carried heavy packs up and down the benches of Pocatello. He retired after 30 years of service. The physical aspect of his job likely lead to his long life.

Prior to the birth of their third child, Mark, they moved into a new house on Zener Street, which Kent built. They lived there till 1972 when they moved into a new house on West Eldridge.

Following their mission to Australia they built a new house on Mary Lane and then moved to their final new home on Revere Road.

Kent was cub master three different times. He served in the Boy Scout Council as Vice President over Cubbing where he was involved in training. Kent also did Scout training in Missoula, Montana. He was awarded the BSA Silver Beaver Award, a high honor given on the council level for years of service.

Kent lead the development and construction of several parade floats some winning first place.

He was active his whole life in church service. Some of Kent’s callings included Sunday School Gospel Doctrine teacher, a Seven Presidents of Seventy, stake missionary, stake M.I.A. president, counselor in a Bishopric, Stake High Council, High Priest Group Leader, counselor in a Stake Presidency to President W. James Johnston, and a temple worker in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Kent enjoyed singing, playing the piano and organ, and writing poetry and music. In his 80’s he served as the Primary pianist for several years, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

His greatest joys were his family, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and serving others.

Kent Wright Dayley passed peacefully from this life October 1, 2025 where he could join Geneve after 13 years apart. He referred to it as “graduating.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Porteious Lyle Dayley and Bessie Lorraine Wright, his wife, Geneve Hatch Dayley, brothers Keith Lyle Dayley and Don Albertis Dayley, and Don’s wife Karolea Hansen Dayley. He is survived by his brothers Bern (Marjorie) Dayley and Gerald (Sharon) Dayley, his children Brent (Andrea) Dayley, Janese (Robert) Larson, Mark (Susan) Dayley, Eric (Chrys) Dayley, and Lorraine (James) Jensen, 14 Grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday October 7, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at the Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck. The following morning, October 8, 2025 a second viewing will be held at 10 a.m. followed by the service starting at 11 a.m. The Wednesday viewing and service will be at the Victory Ward Chapel, 4600 Victory Avenue, Chubbuck, Idaho. A webcast will be available to view. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Wilks Funeral Home.

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