Jessie Alvin Dykes passed away peacefully at his home on March 11, 2026. Born on February 18, 1948, in Nauvoo, Alabama, to Bonnie Estelle Dykes and Jessie David Darty, he spent his childhood living in California, Alabama, Ohio, Utah, and Colorado.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jessie held the office of High Priest. He found great purpose in his service as a Ward Clerk and Sunday School Teacher, devoting many hours to studying the scriptures. He earned his GED through the Job Corps in Clearfield, Utah, and maintained a lifelong passion for history, particularly the Renaissance Era and stories of knights. Deeply committed to family history, he spent countless hours researching his ancestors and sharing stories of his life experiences with those he loved. Family was everything to him.
Jessie worked for 36 years at KGO Channel 7 TV and Radio, where he had the opportunity to meet many celebrities, authors, and notable personalities. He first married Sandra McMillin and lovingly helped raise her children, whom he considered his own. After Sandra’s passing, he met Joan Beasley, and they were married in December 2008 in Clearfield, Utah. Together they enjoyed spending time with friends at the Roy Senior Center, painting ceramics, and joining bus trips to Wendover.
Preceded in death by his parents and his son Steve Funkner (Pam), Jessie is survived by his wife Joan; his son Robert Funkner (Ludy) and family; and his stepchildren Jeanie Bosen (Jeff) and family, Aaron Robinson (Brandy) and family, Jared Robinson (Sandy) and family, Sheryl Forsberg (Jason) and family, and Emily Scothern (Clayton) and family. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
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