Kay James Allred

Kay James Allred, 85, of Shelley passed away October 6, 2012 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Kay was born in Paris, Idaho on June 4, 1927 to Fenton Reel Allred and Sybil Sparks on his dad’s 26

th

birthday.  He attended school in Paris.  He was active in student government and earned varsity letters in 3 sports.

Kay grew up on a beef ranch where the work was done by hand, with the help of horses.  Tractors did not arrive on the farm until 1944.

After graduating from Fielding High in 1945, Kay was drafted into the Army, serving at Camp Roberts, Fort Ord, Camp Stoneman, and Fort Lewis as a Private in Company E, 1

st

Battalion, 23

rd

Infantry Regiment, 2

nd

Infantry Division.  He was Honorably Discharged.

Kay married Donna Heninger in April, 1947.  A daughter, Beverly, was born in August, 1953.  They later divorced.

Kay attended the American Academy of Horology during 1948-49 and became a Certified Master Watchmaker. He worked 36 years as a bench jeweler and in retail jewelry management.

While working in American Fork, UT, Kay met a kind and compassionate lady, Beth Faddis Powelson.  After a three month courtship, they were married on April 14, 1956.  He became an “Instant Dad” to Beth’s five children, Joy, Bruce, Brent, Diane and Kelly, ranging in age from 8 years to 18 months.  A son, Stan, was born in June, 1959.  Kay and Beth were later sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Kay and Beth enjoyed 56 years in a loving partnership.  While raising their family they traveled by station wagon throughout Idaho and Utah, as well as longer trips to Louisville, Dallas, Washington D.C., New York City, and Disneyland.  He was known for choosing back roads for “short-cuts.”

Kay was active in his community.  He served in the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and on the Montpelier City Council.  He served as President of the Bear Lake Jaycee’s and National Director of the Idaho Jaycee’s.  He is JCI International Senator #4069.

Kay joined his dad’s cattle operation in 1957.  They purchased property east of Bennington ID in 1967 and engineered a gravity flow irrigation system for the 125 acres of farm ground.

Kay is survived by his loving wife, Beth; children, Joy Price (Merlin) Shelley, ID, Bruce “Strawberry” Powelson (Debbie) Draper, UT, Brent Powelson (Margo) Logan, UT, Diane Sandau (Curt) Lewiston, ID. Beverly Archibald (Gary) Chubbuck, ID, Kelly Powelson (Evah Ann) West Richland, WA, Stan Allred (Mary) Richland, WA; sister Verna Jensen (Reed, deceased); plus 34 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

Kay was preceded in death by his parents, Fenton & Sybil Allred; and by great-grandchildren, Grace Allred and Lyle Gowey.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Shelley First Ward Chapel, 184 N. Park Ave. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:40 at the church. Burial will be at 4:00 P.M. at the Bennington Cemetery with military rites.   Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.