Robert Harvey Oakden

Robert Harvey Oakden, 66, passed away on June 4, 2025, in St. George, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. Rob surrendered to his battle with Alzheimer’s, but the disease never dimmed his gentleness, faithfulness, or ability to carry a tune.

Rob was born July 17, 1958, to William Edward and Sylvia Irene Oakden in Las Vegas, Nevada, the youngest of four children. He was raised in North Las Vegas and graduated from Rancho High School. He then served a proselytizing mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Perth, Australia, from 1977 to 1979.

Rob returned to Nevada and began his career in law enforcement. He graduated from the Nevada Highway Patrol Academy and went on to achieve the rank of Sergeant. He was dedicated to serving his community and supporting his family during his distinguished 28 years of service. He also developed a lifelong devotion to driving the speed limit, and following the rules.

Rob started the next chapter in his life by meeting and marrying his eternal companion, Marikrista Oakden, in St. George, Utah, on June 2, 2012. Together they built a new life together, and they celebrated and grieved through an all too brief happily-ever-after but always remained steadfast by each other’s side.

Rob was a gifted musician playing the trumpet, Native American flutes, and lending his voice to choirs or his melodic whistling to any occasion. His athleticism complemented his tall stature, and he enjoyed playing basketball, softball, running, biking, and being an avid outdoorsman. During his illness, he took great pleasure in walks with his furry companions, ESR (a.k.a. Emotional Stress Relief) and Wrigley.

He was happiest with a good hamburger and fries or a piece of chocolate cake in a cup with cold milk on top. We’ll miss his singular style – crazy socks, sunglasses, watches, hats, and fanny pack – but his penchant for Necco Wafers, Pepto Bismol, and Unsolved Mysteries, not so much.

Most of all, he will be remembered for his love of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a dedicated life of discipleship that led him to serve in many callings from seminary teacher, devout home teacher, and bishopric counselor. Of all his callings, he served most faithfully as son, brother, father, husband, grandpa, and friend.

Rob’s optimistic and witty outlook on life can be summed up by his favorite verse: “Everything will be alright, milk from purple cows is still white.”

Rob is survived by his wife, Marikrista (St. George, Utah); a blended family of 8 children, Kevin (Judee) Hamilton, Deanna (Scott) Miller, Emily Price, Jeff Oakden (Moose Barakat); Jaylee (Travis) Tew, Chris (Jessica) Orvin, Darcy (Jesse) Josie, and Michael (Jessica) Orvin; 25 grandkids; and three siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Sylvia Oakden, and son-in-law, Christopher Price.

The family wishes to acknowledge the attentive and loving care from The Abbington, Zion’s Way Hospice, Memory Matters, Dr. Luciana De Saibro, Jackie MacLellan, Patrica Ford, and Luanne Lundquist.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hughes Mortuary. Services will be Thursday, June 12, at the Morningside Chapel located at 930 South Morningside Drive in St. George, Utah. The visitation will be 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. and the graveside service will follow at the Tonaquint Cemetery at approximately 12:30 p.m.