Joel Keith Burningham October 26, 1948 - February 3, 2026

Joel Keith Burningham, 77, of Spanish Fork, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on February 3, 2026. He was born on October 26, 1948, in Orem, Utah, to Keith Pharon and Rita Florence Anderson Burningham.

Joel grew up in Orem, Utah, and graduated from Orem High School in 1967. He briefly attended Brigham Young University before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Andes Mission in Peru. One year before leaving on his mission, Joel was set up on a blind date with Kathryn Ruth Furse. They dated, wrote faithfully to one another during his mission, and soon after his return became engaged. Joel and Kathy were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 14, 1970. After beginning their life together in Provo, they spent the next eight years traveling with Joel’s Navy service, living in California, Idaho, South Carolina, and again in Idaho, before settling in Spanish Fork, where they made their forever home.

Above all else, Joel loved his family—they were his whole world. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved, especially his sweetheart, Kathy. After more than 55 years of marriage, their love remained youthful, playful, and unmistakably deep. They were truly inseparable—still holding hands, still laughing, still completely smitten with one another like teenagers. It was a love that was tender, joyful, and inspiring to witness. Joel cherished every moment spent with his family, and nothing made him happier than seeing everyone together, sharing time, stories, and laughter with those he loved most. Joel was famous for his hugs—warm, comforting, and unforgettable—and they quickly became everyone’s favorite, a simple reflection of the love he gave so freely.

After completing his military service, Joel worked for his father-in-law at Furse Heating and Cooling. He later joined the Utah Transit Authority, where he served as both a driver and supervisor for 26 years. Alongside his career, Joel became a licensed massage therapist—a role he truly loved and took great pride in. His hands had a gift for healing, and many would say he worked absolute magic through his massages. Joel was deeply passionate about helping others feel better, easing pain and discomfort with patience, skill, and genuine care. He found joy and purpose in his work, often offering massages to friends, family, and community members in his “spare time,” simply because he loved helping people.

Joel was a devoted father to Mark (deceased), Sam (Spanish Fork), and Kate Johnson (Mapleton). He was a proud grandpa to Rylie (Colten) Nielsen, Kinley (Cameron) Rennie, Max Patterson (deceased), Kaylee, Riley, and Ashlynn Johnson, and Bailey, Gage, and Caedmon Burningham. He was also a loving great-grandpa to Max Rennie and Harlow Fisher.

Joel faithfully served in many callings within his church and had a deep love for the Lord. Together, he and Kathy served a Military Relations Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington Everett Mission on Whidbey Island, Washington, from 2012 to 2013.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark; his grandson, Max Patterson; and his brother, Gil Burningham (Cammy).

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Ruth Burningham; his children and grandchildren; and his siblings Susan Hall, Danny (Linda) Burningham, Kelly Burningham, and Kris Ann Parcher (Jim), along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A viewing will be held at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, on Friday, February 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2981 East 1660 South, Spanish Fork, on Saturday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Funeral services will follow at noon, with interment in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

See ya, Love ya, Bye.