Gene B. Edwards
1927 – 2022
Salina, Utah – Gene Barrington Edwards, age 94, passed away June 29, 2022 at his home in Salina. He was born October 25, 1927 in Preston, Idaho, a son of Warren and Zella May Barrington Edwards. His family moved back and forth between southern Idaho and Star Valley, Wyoming before finally settling in Riverdale, Idaho. He attended elementary school in Riverdale and graduated from Preston High School, Class of 1946.
Gene loved the out of doors. He and his two brothers would be considered free range now, but at the time it was just normal. When they weren’t helping their father on the small family farm, they were fishing and hunting. His mother would preserve what they brought home.
After he graduated from high school, Gene served his country in the United States Army. After he was discharged, he served an LDS Mission to the Central States Mission.
Gene married Emma Yvonne Levie November 25, 1952 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She preceded him in death May 7, 2000. He married Phyllis Taylor Skidmore June 15, 2000 in the Manti LDS Temple.
Gene lived in Arizona for 23 years, Texas for 22 years, working as a Repair Technician for a calculator company and has lived in Salina since 1993.
He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has worked as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Dallas Texas Temple and the Manti Utah Temple. He also served in a bishopric, in the scouting program and with the ward youth programs.
Gene loved camping, fishing, hunting, boating and woodworking. He was always on the lookout for a new, unique woodworking pattern.
Gene was known as Brother, or Mister, and FANTASTIC. This was because any time someone would ask how he was doing, he would reply, “I’m FANTASTIC!” If you were to ask, he would say he wasn’t a people person, but everyone who met him would disagree. His best quality was kindness and consideration for others. His life goal was to be the best person possible and raise his family the best he could. As long as he was able, Gene made sure to open doors for his wife, whether a door to a building, or the car door.
Gene is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Salina; children: Jean and Michael Newman of Bountiful, Rodney and Michelle Edwards of Apache Junction, Arizona; step-children: Steve and Joan Weitzeil of Orem; Kelly and Julie Skidmore of Roy; Kent and Lisa Skidmore of Queen Creek, Arizona; Guy and Karen Harbertson of Warren, Utah; Ryan and Jen Skidmore of Morgan; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Yvonne; a son, Brian Edwards; and two brothers, Willis Edwards and Frank Edwards.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to At Home Health Care of Salina for their kind and gracious service rendered to Gene. You are truly angels. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in the Salina Creek LDS Ward Chapel, 85 South 100 East in Salina. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home, 150 East Main Street in Salina, Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services.
Burial with military honors accorded by V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com
