Gordon Harker

Gordon Grant Harker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, in Vernal, Utah, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old, just shy of his 89th birthday.

Gordon was born on September 25, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ethel Brown Harker and LaVern Harker. He grew up in Centerville and Orem, Utah, and graduated from Lincoln High School. Over the years, his love of adventure and the outdoors led him to live in many places including Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and most recently Vernal, Utah. Gordon especially loved the peace and beauty of the country and mountains.

In his early years, Gordon enjoyed horseback riding, snowmobiling, dancing, singing, and even roping mailboxes. In his later years, he cherished time camping, sitting around the campfire, riding in his Polaris Razor, working in the garden, tending chickens, and spending time with his family and dogs.

A man of deep faith, Gordon was a proud and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived his life with devotion to his beliefs. On February 14, 2004, Gordon married his sweetheart, Jeanette Podbevsek, in Rangely, Colorado. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Manti Utah Temple on October 8, 2005.

Throughout his life, Gordon worked many jobs, but especially loved working as a wrangler on a dude ranch and later operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his children with Kathleen Blackley, Claudia Deschaine, Kathy Harker, Wendell Harker (Karen), Rex Harker (Beth), Robyne Leingier; stepchildren Rene’e Doherty (Jeff), Ronda Worrall, Cheri Burchett, Brenda Brown (Kelly), Tonya Dixon (Fairl), and Gary VanCleave (Lisa). He leaves behind 43 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Glen and Keith, his adopted daughter Lisa Harker, and his son-in-law Richard Deschaine.

Gordon was known for his kindness, humor, and devotion to his family. He brought smiles and laughter wherever he went. Though he will be deeply missed, his loved ones find peace in the knowledge that families are forever.