Eric Leon Esplin

Eric Leon Esplin, 24, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Firth, died March 2, 2008 at Madison Memorial Hospital of complications from cancer.

He was born January 12, 1984 in Idaho Falls to David and Angie Owens Esplin.  He attended schools in Firth and graduated as Valedictorian from Firth High School.  He earned his Eagle Scout Award at age 15 and played football & baseball through high school.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he loved teaching Missionary Preparation class and had numerous other callings in the Aaronic Priesthood.  He served for six months in the Bahia Blanca, Argentina mission and four months in the Salt Lake City, Utah Spanish speaking mission.

During his teenage years he moved sprinkler pipe for Clayson Farms.  He was employed by Advanced Business Systems between his missions and chemo therapy.  For the past two years he worked for Custom Built in Rexburg while attending school at BYU-I where he was a Junior.

After returning home from his second mission with cancer he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Joy Lynne Stoddard, on November 30, 2007 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Eric was the third child, a very loving, patient and determined spirit.  He had a constant smile that went with his positive attitude.  He considered everyone his friend and had many.  He showed us all how to “fight the good fight” and will be sorely missed by all of us.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Esplin of Idaho Falls, his parents, David & Angie Esplin of Firth, his siblings, Nathan, Jason, Brady, Isaac, Heidi Ann, Spencer, Hannah Marie, and Brigham Esplin all of Firth, grandparents, Leon & Leola Esplin of Basalt and Ruth Owens of Preston.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Richard Owens.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 7, 2008 at the Firth Stake Center (823 North 675 East) in Basalt with Bishop Todd Williams, conducting.  The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 till 8:30 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Friday morning 9:30 till 10:40 A.M. at the church.  Interment will be in the Firth Cemetery.