David Eugene Edwards passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, at the age of 96 in Malad, Idaho.  Gene was born on a cold winter night to David Monson Edwards and Elizabeth Wight Edwards in the home where he resided until his death. He was the seventh of 9 children and is the last living member of his family.

 At the age of 5, his parents thought he was ready for school, so they sent him to the one room school 2 miles up the road that housed 1st through 8th grade. On his first day of school, he came home twice before his dad took him back the third time with the firm instruction to stay.  There he started some lifelong friendships before going to Malad High School where he enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1945.

At the end of World War II, Gene enlisted in the army where he spent one year in Louisiana before returning back to Malad.  Soon after his return he started dating Wanda Jonesand they were later married on February 14, 1948, in Malad. Their marriage was solemnized one year later on February 14, 1949, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Gene worked various jobs in Malad for two years. before purchasing his father’s farm where he spent the rest of his life ranching and raising his family.  

Gene’s life was a life of service.  He was an Oneida County Commissoner for 12 years and was then elected to serve one term in the Idaho Legislature. He would later spend 8 more years as a county commissioner.  He was also the president of the Eastern Idaho Council of Governments and other cattle and irrigation organizations. He loved Oneida County and Idaho with all of his heart and defended it if others thought otherwise.

As a member of of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he served in many leadership positions.  Many of the St. John Ward members were blessed with his wise counsel, foresight and love. He especially loved the youth and took great satisfaction in making sure the widows and less fortunate were taken care of.  He treasured the 7 years he was able to serve with Wanda in the Logan Temple where he made many choice friends and had many spiritual experiences.  

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Wanda and his 15-year-old son Jimmie. He is survived by his children, Tim (Jan) Edwards of Malad, Steven (Jean) Edwards of Logan,UT and Trudy (Randy) Austin of Weston, ID. Gene and Wanda were always proud of the achievements and activities of their children, 10 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.  

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 12 noon at the Malad LDS Stake Center. Viewings were held Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. and again prior to the funeral from 10:30-11:30 a.m.