Murray R. Doggett

Murray R. Doggett, 72, of Rexburg, passed away on May 2, 2024, due to the rapid progression of sepsis. He was born on October 20, 1951, in Burley, Idaho, to Ivan and Lu Doggett.

Murray grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he graduated from Idaho Falls High School. After spending some time working, he received a personal witness of his need to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to serve in the Great Australian West Mission, serving in the cities of Adelaide and Perth. It was a life-changing experience for him, which he often spoke of with reverence and love.

After his mission, he graduated from Ricks College with a double major in Political Science and Humanities. He continued his higher education by receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Communication – Retail Advertising Management from BYU but never worked a day in it! Instead, he found his passion for counseling and helping troubled youth while working at Provo Canyon Boys School. It was there he met the love of his life, Valerie, who was the receptionist at the school and loved to share that she hired him! They were married in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple on January 11, 1979, on a typical snowy Idaho day.

Beginning their new life together, they researched a variety of graduate schools and settled on ISU, where he received a Master’s in Counseling. After receiving his Master’s, he was hired as a Staff Psychologist at the State Youth Services, also known as the Juvenile Corrections Center, in St. Anthony, Idaho. He spent his entire career there, helping many individuals overcome challenges and difficulties. He found great joy and purpose in providing guidance to others and was always ready to lend an ear. Those relationships meant the world to him.

Aside from his professional work, he continued to strengthen his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ throughout his entire life. He served in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including as an Elders Quorum Instructor, Gospel Doctrine Instructor, High Priest Group Leader, Sunday/Primary Teacher, Elders Quorum President, Rexburg Temple Worker, 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, and High Councilman.

His purpose in life was fulfilled when he became a father, and even more so when he became a Grandpa. He often expressed the joy he felt in his 5 children and 10 grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife, Valerie Doggett; children, Jennifer (Matt) Siple, Rachel Doggett, Alyssa (Elijah) Hopkin, Benjamin (Olivia) Doggett, and Matthew (Ashley) Doggett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Lu Doggett, and his brother, Mike Doggett.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 10, at the Rexburg East Stake Center. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Rexburg Cemetery.