Elwin W. Clayson

Elwin W. Clayson, 80, of Firth, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away May 21, 2008 at his home after struggling with pancreatic cancer.

He was born to Wilbur T. & Hazel Lucy Losee Clayson on May 27, 1927 in Mammoth, Utah.  Shortly after he was born his family moved to Aberdeen where they lived for the next six years.  His family then settled in Goshen, Idaho where he grew up and attended schools in Firth.  After his junior year in high school he joined the Navy to help fight in World War II, where he served most of his tour of duty in Japan.

When he returned home, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Duce, in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 19, 1946.  They settled in the Firth area to farm and raise their family.  He was a very hard worker and instilled his love of work to his own children.

He has been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints his whole life.  He has been an Elder’s Quorum President, temple ordinance worker for 10 years, High Priest Group Leader, Stake Mission Leader, Scout Leader, worked in the Family History Center in Idaho Falls, and with his favorite companion, Darlene, served two full time missions to Lagos, Nigeria, finishing in Oakland, California, and another mission to Kirtland, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Firth; his children, David (Eris), Nolan (Claudia), Gaylen (Donna), and Connie (Wes) Gentillon all of Firth; Dennis (Carol) of Idaho Falls; Melanie (Roland) Park of Evanston, Wyoming; Janeen (Scott) Sargent and Kaylene (Kurt) Hathaway both of Shelley; 42 grandchildren and 73 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, a daughter, a grandson, and three great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday May 27, 2008 at the Firth Ward Chapel (744 north 600 East) with President David Clayson conducting. The family will receive friends Monday evening 6:00 till 8:00 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and 9:30 till 10:40 before the services at the church.  Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion Post 93 of Shelley.