L DeMoyne Bekker

Lee DeMoyne Bekker, 91, of Provo, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

He was born on December 19, 1934, in Hyrum, Utah, the son of George Bekker and LaVerne Rose. They later divorced, and LaVerne married Wesley Warfield, who became a stepfather to DeMoyne and his siblings. DeMoyne married Pearl Ann Nunes on August 12, 1960, in the Los Angeles, California LDS Temple.

DeMoyne was born in Hyrum, Utah, and raised in Alameda, California. Throughout his years in Alameda, he met and spent time with a group of friends who called themselves “the joy boys.” This group of friends remained close and in contact throughout their lives. He enjoyed participating in various sports, including semi-pro football.

DeMoyne was a St. Louis Cardinals fan from a young age. When our family moved to Southern Illinois, opportunities to attend games and share his love of that team and sport with his kids, then later his grandkids and great-grandkids, continued throughout his life.

He participated in the National Guard and served a three-year LDS mission in Southern Germany. He then attended BYU in Provo, UT, earning a degree in Psychology, followed by Ohio State University, where he graduated with his doctoral degree, also in Psychology. DeMoyne worked as a Clinical Psychologist throughout his career at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and later at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he served as Clinical Director of the Counseling and Career Center. He provided hours of clinical therapy and internship training at both universities. He also provided consultation at Menard Prison in Chester, Illinois.

DeMoyne couldn’t help but support and counsel people. He listened and shared direction and advice to family and friends through his roles in the LDS Church and anyone he crossed paths with who could use that type of guidance.

One of DeMoyne’s hobbies was photography. On family outings and vacations, it was rare to see him without a camera around his neck. He restored many old family pictures and had a family photo gallery hanging on the wall.

DeMoyne was devoted to his wife, Pearl Ann, of 66 years, and to his four children. He was also a beloved grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He made his family a priority and had close relationships with each of them. For the past several years, he has been the primary caregiver for his wife, Pearl Ann, devoting his attention to her and moving into memory care with her at Legacy Village of Provo when it became necessary for her health.

Throughout his life, DeMoyne has been devoted to his faith in the LDS church, serving in various callings. He had a love for music and often participated in the Ward Choir and occasionally served as Chorister. He also had a passion for genealogy and spent many hours researching our family history.

DeMoyne is survived by his wife, Pearl Ann Bekker, of Provo, Utah; daughter, Deanne Bekker Tetzl (Richard) of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Lynne Bekker Steinkopf (Greg) of Mapleton, Utah; son, Todd Wesley Bekker (Tonya) of Gilbert, Arizona; son, Matthew Frank Bekker (Kathy) of Orem, Utah; 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dahl Bekker, and sister, Beverly Bekker.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 865 W. 1000 N. in Orem, Utah. Visitation is scheduled on Friday, July 31, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street in Orem, and at the LDS Chapel at 865 West 1000 North on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Burial will be at the Orem City Cemetery at 1520 N. 800 E. in Orem.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.https://www.alz.org

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.