Robert Lee Dagley's Obituary
Robert Lee Dagley, 79, of Memphis, TX passed from this life on Saturday, 14, 2024 in Amarillo, TX surrounded by his family following several years of health struggles.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Dagley Keating and Edna Dagley Jones and brothers Charles Dagley and Donald Dagley.
Robert is survived by his wife, Suzanne of Memphis; 3 sons, Jon Dagley, Brian Dagley and Dustin Dagley; daughter, Laura Martin, husband, Paul, and grandsons, Corban, Gage and Talon; and sister Emma Dagley Simms, husband, Guy of Pendleton, OR.
Robert, our beloved husband, father, grandfather brother and friend was born in Somerset, KY on December 31, 1944, to Veston Lee Dagley and Nancy Katherine Hibbard. He was the 4th of 6 children. At a young age his family moved to Pendleton, OR. Robert graduated from Pendleton High School in 1963.
After graduating high school, Robert was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a dear and close friend. Following his baptism, he accepted a full-time mission call to the Texas Mission and served for 2 years. It was there that he had the opportunity to meet, teach and baptize Linda Suzanne Sexauer who was attending Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. Upon the completion of his mission, he returned home to his family in Pendleton, OR.
Shortly thereafter, March 1967, he was drafted into the United States Air Force because of the Vietman War. He attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. While stationed in San Antonio, TX he courted and proposed marriage to Suzanne. She accepted and they were married in her family home in Memphis, TX on December 12, 1968. They then travelled to Utah where there were sealed in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for time and eternity on December 16, 1968. From there they travelled to Rome, NY where he was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base where he worked as an air traffic controller. After approximately 6 months he was relocated to Cam Rahn Bay in Vietnam where he continued to work as a forward air traffic controller. While there he was exposed to the chemical agent orange and burn piles which would later be linked to many of his health problems. He was honorably discharged in 1970 with the rank of Sergeant.
Upon his return, he and Suzanne made their home in Pendleton, OR. It was here that they were blessed with their first child, Laura Lea. Shortly after Laura’s birth they all moved to Memphis, TX to the Sexauer Ranch where they lived down the dirt road from Suzanne’s parents, Robert and Mary Helen Sexauer. While in Texas, they were blessed with 2 sons, Jonathan Michael Dagley and Brian Marshall Dagley. Following the death of Suzanne’s father, they returned to Pendleton, OR. It was here that they welcomed their 3rd son, Dustin Lance. They stayed in Pendleton, OR until 1986 when they again returned to Memphis, TX. Memphis, TX has been home ever since.
Robert was a hard worker and had many different jobs/professions from his youth to death. These included working in a grocery store, as a school bus driver, working with his father as a custodian at the Umatilla County Court House, truck driver and most recent farmer and rancher.
Robert enjoyed music and football. He loved watching snow games. He loved animals and animals loved him. As a rancher he had great affection for his cattle. Strays that were lucky enough to wander out to the house found love and a new home. He loved working on the ranch maintaining and improving it. He considered this a stewardship and great responsibility. His last 19 years were focused on being a doting grandfather. He loved being with his grandsons and being a part of their lives.
Robert was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held many callings which included serving as a branch counselor, Elder’s Quorum President and Branch clerk. He was a faithful home teacher/minister traveling many miles and hours to visit those he was assigned to watch over. His church membership was important to him and is an important part of his legacy.
Robert was a good and kind man. His greatest joy and blessing was his best friend and help meet, Suzanne, and their posterity and he will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Fairview Cemetery Chapel in Memphis. Viewing will be held from 9:30 – 10:00 AM prior to the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
