Lawrence Edwards

Lawrence LeRoy Edwards passed away December 12, 2014 at the St. Lukes hospital in Twin Falls Idaho, surrounded by family.

Lawrence entered this world on a very unusual snowy day May 8, 1936, born in Walla Walla, Washington, after his father shoveled the drive way so they could get to the hospital! He was greeted by older sister Ruth and followed by sister Gloria and brother Ronald.

Lawrence spent his younger years on the family farm with his favorite pony, Laddy, who attended birthdays in the house, and was hooked to the wagon hauling hay or any thing that fit in the little wagon. He had a love for many animals, always had a dog, many horses, and several pigs like Sally who played with toy tractors in the house.

Lawrence married Shirley Schutts. From this union came five children, Kay, Larry, Patti, Jackie, and Lori. He continued to farm, milking cows, doing custom work, working for Western Farm Services, and giving rides with his set of ponies, while living in MiltonFreewater, Oregon. He and Shirley were later divorced.

Lawrence married DeeAnn Mayo. From this marriage he became stepfather to Janice and Mike. The family moved to Carey, Idaho for a new job managing a farm and running cattle. They later divorced.

In July 1979 in Jerome, Idaho he married Joyce which along with her came Laurie,Tracey and Leta. During this 35 plus years union, Lawrence worked for Gem Equipment and Jerome Implement, but kept his passion for animals by raising baby calves, pigs and goats. Through the years he has helped many people with buying, selling and raising cattle. He found a true passion and joy with training, working and just having fun with his giant friends, the Belgian draft horses. Lawrence enjoyed many fair competitions and parades with his giant friends. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others, and teaching others how to drive and control a team.

Lawrence was always good with donating his time and team to help with handicap group events and many other event groups. He enjoyed having a good time. He was instrumental in starting the Southern Idaho Draft Horse and Mule Association. Lawrence enjoyed many draft horse play days, plowing, disking, mowing and giving wagon rides. Lawrence has also helped his grand kids and many town kids by showing them how to do a days work.

Lawrence took great pride in his prodigy, Shelby who is now trying to fill his boots as the owner of their giant friends and is following in her grandpa’s foot steps.

Lawrence was a huge supporter of all 4-H kids, helping to find and raise pigs for their projects, also helping at the fairs giving vaccinations, helping with the weigh-ins, show ring and anywhere he was needed. He was also there to help kids that didn't have transportation for their animals getting to the weigh-ins and at fair time. He also was a large contributor to the community of Carey, donating his time and his team whenever needed for which he received the key to the city. He and Joyce also were Grand Marshals for the Blaine County Fair. They received Blaine County 4-H Distinguished Service Award for 2007.

Lawrence had a great ability of being able to clean up, build and design animal operations. He received awards and several plaques for his fence building. He belonged to the Idaho Pork board and attended many educational meetings and the Idaho State veterinary meetings that covered topics related to swine care.

Lawrence always greeted others with a hello and a smile, always entertaining with a story or two!

Lawrence is survived by his wife Joyce, sister Gloria, brother Ron, all his children, 14 grand children, 7 great grand children and numerous nephew and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ruth. He will always be in the hearts of us all. We love you Lawrence!

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Carey High School Auditorium. Following the service there will be a gathering at the Senior Citizens Center at Carey City Hall.