Norman Dewain Utley, a lifelong resident of Southwest Colorado, devoted family man, and respected member of the Cortez community, passed away on July 2, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loving family.

Norman was born on March 12, 1934, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, to Burnice and Bertha Utley. During the Dust Bowl era, Norman’s family relocated to Southwest Colorado, where he attended Peel School and later Dove Creek High School.

Norman met the love of his life, Imogene Jackson, and they married in 1952. Together, they built a remarkable life centered on faith, family, hard work, and perseverance. Two children were born to this union: Raymond Dewain Utley and Tana Jean Sparks.

After working in farming, mining, trucking, and electrical construction, Norman and Imogene founded Norman Utley Construction in 1961 with a single Caterpillar D6 tractor. Over the next six decades, the company grew into one of Southwest Colorado’s most respected construction businesses.

Throughout his career, Norman worked extensively across the region with the U.S. Forest Service, local farmers and ranchers, on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, and later with Kinder Morgan. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping bring potable water to the community of Tohatchi, New Mexico.

Norman’s expertise, ingenuity, and determination were often called upon in extraordinary circumstances. In 2002, he modified one of his Caterpillar tractors to assist in recovering a U.S. Air Force helicopter that had crashed in rugged terrain behind Purgatory Ski Resort. Norman was also contacted to assist during two major wildfire emergencies: the Mesa Verde National Park fires and the 416 Fire northeast of Durango, where his experience and specialized equipment proved invaluable.

Norman was known for his ingenuity, integrity, quality of work, and unwavering commitment to his word. Early on, his son joined the company and became his right-hand man and foreman. They worked together for 42 years, until the company was dissolved in 2018.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Imogene, in 2016 following 64 years of marriage, Norman found companionship and joy with Janet Bookless, whom he married in 2020. Janet remained faithfully by his side through his final days.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Norman will be remembered for his good attitude, wonderful sense of humor, and the joy he brought to family and friends. Sharing funny stories and silly jokes with his grandchildren brought him and them much pleasure.

Norman is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Dewain Utley (Carol); his daughter, Tana Sparks (Tim); five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; six siblings; and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene; his parents; and three siblings.

Norman’s legacy of hard work, honesty, perseverance, and love will continue to live on through the family he created, the community he served, and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service celebrating Norman’s life will be held on August 1, 2026, at Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been established at Dolores State Bank, 744 E. Main in Cortez. Donations may be made payable to the N-I Utley Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing a college or trade school education. It will be awarded to a senior student living in Montezuma or Dolores counties interested in welding, heavy equipment operator school, heavy equipment mechanics, accounting, or business management.