Joseph Bleak

Joseph “Joey” Oliver Bleak, 79, passed away on March 31, 2022, at his home in Cedar City, Utah, with his loving wife of 52 years at his side. Joey was born October 20, 1942 in Pioche, NV, to John and Emma Bleak. He grew up in Pioche and attended Lincoln County High School. After graduation he attended the LDS Business College and Southern Utah State College (SUSC), where he graduated with a BS in Business Education. He met Cheryl Williams, in Las Vegas, NV, and they were married in the St George Temple on June 21, 1969.

Joey worked for Petrolane Gas Company and then went into the banking industry and worked at First Security Bank and then State Bank of Southern Utah (SBSU). He worked for SBSU, as the Human Resources Director, for over 40 years before retiring. He also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a great typist and a master in shorthand writing. Joey loved the outdoors and would sleep in the backyard in the summer. He especially loved to wake up the morning of July 4th to the cannons. His favorite holidays were Christmas and Halloween. He spent all year preparing to decorate the bank for Christmas. He also loved making afghans on his loom and would donate them to those in need. He made each one of his children and grandchildren a blanket. Joey’s grandchildren were his number one priority, and he enjoyed attending their sporting activities.

Joey was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many ward and stake callings during his life. He served in several Bishopric’s, and as Bishop of the 15th ward. His last calling was as a member of the Branch Presidency at the Iron County Jail. Joey epitomized service and left a wonderful example of true Christlike service.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, their children, Mike (Amy), Jenny (Nick), his grandchildren, Brock (Bayli), McCray, Kason, Sidney, and Kylie, all from Cedar City, UT. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma Bleak, Maranee Neilson (sister), Page Bleak (brother), Dick Bleak (brother), and Charlene Fitzgerald (sister).

Funeral services will be held at the Cedar 15th Ward Building (500 W. 400 N. Cedar City, UT) on Wednesday April 6, 2022 at 11:00 am. Viewings will be held on Tuesday April 5th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W. Cedar City, UT) and on Wednesday April 6th from 9:45 – 10:45 am at the church. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online Condolences can be sent to www.mortuary.org