Kenneth Dale Edwards

Kenneth Dale Edwards, 88, of Pendleton, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, in Rexburg, Idaho, surrounded by his family.

Ken was born in Xenia, Ohio, on May 5, 1937, to Arthur Thomas Edwards and Mildred Faye DeWitt. He was the second of eight children and grew up in a
lively, hardworking family. After graduating from Irrigon High School in Irrigon, Oregon, in 1955, he began his plumber's apprenticeship, setting the foundation for a long and respected career.

In 1956, Ken married Jeanne Califf, and together they welcomed three children-Debbie, Patti, and Gary-who remained the center of his life. Over the years, Ken lived in Ohio, California, and Texas before settling in Pendleton, Oregon. He worked on a cattle ranch in Fossil, Oregon, before beginning his plumbing apprenticeship. Ken spent 27 years with Wheeler Plumbing and Heating before going into business for himself, where he continued to serve the community with skill, honesty, and dedication until his retirement.

Ken joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1973 and remained a devoted member throughout his life. He served willingly wherever he was called, including as a counselor in the bishopric, Young Men's President, and ward missionary. He cherished the teachings of the Book of Mormon and the Bible and found deep joy in serving others. Ken never
met a stranger-his kindness, warmth, and genuine love for people touched countless lives both within his church and throughout the community.

An outdoorsman at heart, Ken lived an adventurous life. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping, and he treasured the time spent in nature with family and friends. He hunted grizzly bear and moose with his bow and arrow in Canada with his younger brother, Joe, and took many memorable hunting and fishing trips with his family. Later in life, Ken discovered a remarkable artistic talent. He began creating bronzes and carvings, often inspired by the wildlife he admired. Some of his favorite pieces featured elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep, including a life-size head mount of the famous bighorn sheep known as Scarface. He also built a log cabin, a testament to his craftsmanship, independence, and love of working with his hands

In 2023, Ken was diagnosed with dementia and was cared for by his family until he moved to memory care in late September of 2025. Even as his health declined, his gentle nature remained.
Caregivers often shared how kind he was-always offering blankets to other residents, helping them eat, or assisting staff with cleanup after meals. Ken served his fellow beings to the very end
of his life.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Debbie Severe (Curtis) and Patti Spackman (Terrell); his son, Gary (Teresa); his sister, Carol; nine grandchildren; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. He
was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne, in 1999; his grandson, Taylor, in 1992; his granddaughter, Rachael, in 2024; his parents, Arthur and Mildred; his brothers Joe, Bill, and
Tom; and his sisters Linda, Mary, and Arta.

Funeral services will be held on January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pendleton. Visitation will be held at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel on January 8
from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and again at the church from 9:00–9:45 a.m. prior to the service on Friday. Ken will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his craftsmanship, his unwavering faith, his
boundless kindness, and the twinkle in his eye. His legacy lives on in the stories he leaves behind, the art he created, and the family who loves him.