Kelly Ray Edwards, 59, of Lehi, Utah, passed away Monday, February 7th [ 2011], after a courageous 3 year battle with cancer.
Kelly was born in Malad, Idaho, on September 29th, 1951. He was the tenth child born to Warren and Kate Edwards, along with his 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Kelly was raised on his family’s ranch in Pleasantview and had many fond memories growing up there. It was there his love for horses began.
Kelly attended Malad schools and graduated from Malad High School in 1969. He participated in football and wrestling. He was also a member of the Blu Moss band with four of his closest friends.
After graduation, Kelly attended the College of Southern Idaho and graduated from the Vocational Program in Basic Electronics. He was a member of the CSI College Rodeo Team. He also attended Idaho State University.
On August 13th, 1971, he married Donna Peden, his high school sweetheart, in Malad. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Boise Idaho Temple. Kelly was employed by Idaho Power for 35 years. Kelly and Donna lived in Pocatello for 17 years. During their years in Pocatello, they had four sons: Paul Warren, Kurtis Kelly, Tyler Vinton, and John David. Kelly was very active in coaching Little League Baseball and organized and participated in several community service projects.
In 1988, Kelly was transferred to Nyssa, Oregon, to become a District Manager for Idaho Power. During their short 3 years there, Kelly continued coaching his sons in baseball, basketball, and football. He was recognized by Idaho Power as the Volunteer of the Year. Kelly served as the President of Nyssa’s Chamber of Commerce, and Bishop in the LDS Church.
In 1992, Kelly was transferred to Ontario, Oregon. He and his family lived there for fourteen years. He continued working with the youth in basketball, football, and baseball. Kelly served as Ontario’s Chamber of Commerce President and was recognized as Ontario’s Man of the Year in 1997, for his continued service to his community. Kelly also served on the Treasure Valley Community College Board and as the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Committee Chair.
In 2006, Kelly retired from Idaho Power to pursue a business in landscaping and property management with his son, in Utah County. He served as Bishop of the Spring Creek Ward.
Survivors include: his wife, Donna; sons: Paul(Emily), Kurt (Tessa), Tyler (Sandra), and John (Maria): brothers: Cleon, Danny, Ren, and David; sisters: Kathleen, Carol, and Donna Gayle; and thirteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Stan and Darrel.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 12th, at 11:00 AM at the Spring Creek 1st Ward in Lehi, Utah, 651 East 1631 South. Friends may visit with the Edwards family on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and again from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to the service at the church. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 pm in the Pleasantview Cemetery near Malad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Central Utah Cancer Clinic in Provo, Utah. 1055 North 500 W Suite 202 Provo, UT 84601. Phone Number: 801-374-2367. Contact person Wendy. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Horsley Funeral Home