Richard "Dick" Morley, a dedicated educator and lifelong religious servant, died on Sept. 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of teaching that spanned several decades and multiple countries. Morley, who was born in Price on Jan. 30, 1935, was a prominent figure in religious education through his work with Church Educational System (CES).
A life of service and education
A life of service and education
Born to Gerald Blackham Morley and Rose Woodbury Morley in Price, Utah, Morley's life was defined by his commitment to faith and instruction. As a young man, he accepted a mission to the Eastern States, where he focused on sharing the Restoration. This foundational experience in service preceded a lifelong pursuit of religious education.
Morley later served a mission in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia area alongside his wife, Diane Bean Morley. The couple worked together in administration and consecration during their assignment. This period of service helped shape Morley's future career, as he found his greatest satisfaction in the field of education.
Impact through religious education
Impact through religious education
For 35 years, Morley served with the Church Educational System (CES), where he specialized in seminary and institute instruction. His teaching career was geographically diverse, reaching students in Australia, California, Washington, and Utah. He was known for his ability to explain scripture through careful preparation and heartfelt testimony.
Morley's influence extended beyond the formal classroom. He was frequently involved in teacher formation, whether in a classroom setting, a chapel congregation, or during family conversations. Even after his formal occupation concluded, he continued to study, contemplate, and document his findings, producing books, pamphlets, and written compilations to continue his instruction.
Leadership and community involvement
Leadership and community involvement
In addition to his professional teaching, Morley held numerous leadership roles within his faith community. His service included roles in bishopric administration and the stake presidency association. He was also active in youth development, serving as a Scoutmaster and navigating various other callings that required significant dedication.
His family noted that his life served as a demonstration of learning and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. He remained an active investigator and scholar of his faith until the end of his life, never seeking relaxation from his primary vocation of gospel education.
Family and surviving relatives
Family and surviving relatives
Morley is survived by a large and growing family. His earthly descendants include Dickson and Fernae Morley, Natalie and Eric Mantz, Jedd and Alisa Morley, Roseanne and Brian Dawes, and Marcia and Alon Pugh. He also leaves behind a large legacy of 124 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife and eternal companion, Diane Bean Morley, as well as his mother, Rose Morley, his father, Gerald Morley, and his sister, Susie Tucker.
Funeral and memorial services
Funeral and memorial services
Memorial services for Morley were scheduled for Sept. 25 and Sept. 26, 2026. A visitation was held on Friday, Sept. 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Original 4th/5th Ward building located at 545 East 400 North in Price, Utah.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, a second visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the same location, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The services concluded with a graveside interment at the Price City Cemetery. The family expressed gratitude to Brock Morley with Symbii Home Health and Hospice for the care provided during Morley's final months.
