Walter Everett Edlund

Walter Everett Edlund
September 2, 1941 - February 17, 2024
God waived the checkered flag and welcomed Everett home on February 17th, 2024. Walter Everett Edlund was born in Fowler, California on September 2nd, 1941, to Walt and Gladys Edlund in Fowler, California. He was the youngest of two children. Everett was raised in Caruthers, California where he attended Caruthers Elementary School and Caruthers High School, Class of 1959. He met the love of his life, Beverly on the corner of Belmont and Palm at Mars Drive-In. They would go on to marry in 1971 and have three children, Everett, Jr., Lawrence, and Cindy. He made his lifelong home on his childhood farm in Caruthers, California where he raised his family with his wife, Beverly, and farmed for many years. He served proudly in the Air National Guard beginning in 1963 and continuing for more than 30 years.
Everett loved and cherished his family more than anything. Everett and his wife, Beverly raised a beautiful family together-Everett, Jr., Lawrence and Cindy were the love of their life. Their grandchildren Michael, Matt, Megan, Dominic and Skye meant the world to them. Pops and Bama/Beema were always there together at every single event-ball game, dance recital, awards ceremony, graduation, birthday party-you name it rain or shine they were always there supporting their grandkids. After mom passed, Pops continued to be present as much as possible-a true testament to his character and devotion to his family and grandchildren.
"The time involved is getting to be
too much. With work and ranching, and that really isn't the thing to be doing these days, and then working on the cars, I just haven't had time for my family. This will be the first winter in years that I won't really be busy with racing."- Everett Edlund(1985-The Fresno Bee)
Everett's name was synonymous with racing in the local, state, and west coast racing scenes. He cut his teeth at Kearney Bowl, Clovis Speedway, and San Jose Speedway-eventually becoming the face of Madera Speedway, where he excelled in the super modified class running the Trigueiro Brothers "Circle 1" cars. Everett quickly became a fan favorite, not only due to his stellar racing and trips to victory lane, but mostly because he made time for every single fan young and old alike. He had a unique charisma and way about him that made you feel like you were his best friend-because in that moment you were his best friend. He was unmistakable on the track-you could almost see his crystal blue eyes through his racing visor as he raced with his signature left elbow hanging outside his race car-his racing style was one of a kind. He raced with a passion and vigor to win, but he respected the sport of racing, and more importantly he respected his car owners and crew, and fellow racers alike-which garnered him admiration and respect throughout the racing community. He was the epitome of the "good guy" on and off the track.
"What I'll miss are the friends I've made, the great associations. And Madera and the fans will be part of me. I guess now I'll be there- but as a fan."- Everett Edlund(1985-The Fresno Bee)
We were fortunate to spend quality time and create some awesome memories with Pops throughout the years. We as a family take solace knowing that he knew that he was loved beyond measure. Like the legendary race car driver that he was-he fought until the end, that's the only way he knew. Pops has gone racin' now-one last checkered flag for the ol' timer-the ultimate victory lane. Legends never die
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Gladys Edlund, his wife, Beverly Edlund, and his sister Louise "Louie" East. A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks. Information will be posted on social media and communicated via text. Please contact immediate family for further information.