Kay Davis Mangum

Kay Davis Mangum, our father, grandfather, husband, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of August 29, 2025. We will miss his stories, his jokes, his hot cakes, his laughter, and his light. We trust he is rejoicing in the freedom he now feels from the limitations of his physical body and in the many reunions that were awaiting him.

Kay was born in Panguitch, Utah, on May 31, 1948, to Luella Ott and William Harvey Mangum. He grew up in Tropic, Utah, and was the youngest of 5 siblings. A true small-town boy, stories of Kay’s youth were filled with milking cows, riding horses, working hard, dreams and jumping on freight trains. He also played both baseball and basketball for Bryce Valley High — he and his brothers on the team were said to be “not very tall, but tough.”

When Kay was 21, he was called on a mission to New Zealand for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sparked a lifelong love for that country, the Maori people, and for performing the Haka (an ancient Maori ceremonial dance) whenever he got the chance — face paint and all.

Upon returning from his mission, Kay worked as a gas station attendant in Circleville. He got a big surprise when the new girl in town — a nurse all the way from Maine — pulled up to get her car filled with gas. Her name was Maureen Reynolds, and Kay was smitten. They were married on April 1, 1972, in the St. George Temple. Kay and Maureen were sweethearts. They loved to travel, to be together, and to dance. Kay never missed an opportunity to dance with Maureen, often requesting “In the Mood” by Glen Miller. Most of all, Kay loved to see Maureen happy and did all he could to make her smile. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022.

Following their marriage, Kay and Maureen had three children: Missy, Amy, and Willy. They lived in Tropic and Kay worked as an insurance agent in Panguitch. After 15 years, they decided to move their little family from Tropic to Mapleton, Utah. There they started a family band, with Kay leading on guitar. Kay also soon started his own business, Mr. Insurance, with his business partner and friend, Doug Boyle. He loved his work and owned his business for over 30 years before retiring.

The greatest joy in Kay’s life was undoubtedly his family. His wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him immense happiness. He loved to make them laugh and always had a joke, a magic trick, a story, a quick verse of song, or an impromptu performance of the “Tropic two-step” to do just that.

Kay loved to serve others. He served in many capacities: as a neighbor shoveling snow, as a friend helping do yard work, as a father saving his kids money by shingling their houses and building their sheds. He also loved serving in his many callings for the Church, as bishop, bishopric counselor, MTC branch presidency member, and as a temple worker. Kay loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each calling to serve in the Church brought him clear purpose and happiness because of his love for his Savior.

Kay was generous, kind, humble, funny, scrappy, and one of the most Christlike people we know. He loved golfing, working in his yard, BYU sports, Patsy Cline, making culinary creations, and eating mixed nuts. We love and miss him already.

Kay is survived by his wife, Maureen Mangum; their children Missy (Willy) Child, Amy (Robert) Ellis, and Willy (April) Mangum; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren (and counting). He is also survived by his sister Laura Cottam and brother Pete Mangum. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard Hobson and Ward Mangum, and Bear, his dog.

The family would like to thank iCare Home Health and Hospice for their help and care. With a special thanks to Kristy, Sergio, Ambria, and Rosalyn.

Services will be held on Wednesday, September 3 at 10:30 AM at 1050 N 300 W in Mapleton, with interment to follow at the Mapleton Cemetery (620 W Maple St). Viewings will be held at 1050 N 300 W in Mapleton on Tuesday, September 2 from 5:30-7:30 PM, and Wednesday, September 3 from 9-10 AM.