Edward Lewis Kay

Edward Lewis Kay was born in Columbia, Utah on May 1, 1928 to Delbert LeRoy Kay Sr. and Violet Lillian Lewis Kay. Youngest to 2 brothers Jack and Delbert. Ed passed away on June 17, 2026 at age 98 with his wife LaRue of 75 years by his side. Affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Wonderful,” Ed embodied that title throughout his life.

Ed’s father was a salesman and they lived in various places throughout his childhood until they settled in the coal mining town of Sunnyside, Utah. Ed’s mother was kind, generous, hardworking and took pride in keeping a clean and organized home. By her example, Ed developed those same qualities. Ed would mention childhood memories of hiking, fishing and swimming with his brothers and friends. He worked hard to be the “teacher’s pet” and was known for being reliable, on time and well dressed. Ed attended Carbon High in Price, Utah where he met the love of his life, “a good looking redhead” named LaRue Nina Cullen at age 15. Ed and LaRue were high school sweethearts and both graduated in the Class of 1946. They discovered their love of dancing together at this time and it carried throughout their lives.

Ed attended the University of Utah for a year and then got a job at Geneva Steel in construction accounting before moving to California to follow LaRue. They were married in Ontario, California on September 9, 1950. Two months after the marriage, Ed was drafted into the Army and proudly served in the Korean War for 2 years. Ed’s life was spared countless times during his service and he was decorated for his valor. One notable occasion was when he was chosen as a typist rather than being sent to the front lines with his fellow soldiers because of his remarkable ability to type 130 words per minute on a manual typewriter. In just four months of combat, Ed was promoted through the ranks from Rifleman to Battalion Sergeant Major. This was an extraordinary rise that reflected the confidence his commanders placed in his leadership, competence and character.

Ed returned from Korea in 1952, and with the money he had saved in the Army and LaRue had saved working for General Motors, they purchased their first home. Soon afterward they welcomed their three children: Gregg, born in October 1953; Sue, born in December 1956; and Mike, born in October 1958.

Everything Ed did was for LaRue and their children. He was an amazing father who always put his family first. He was there for everything, never missing an event. He even helped manage Little League baseball teams, was a dedicated Boy Scout leader, and was actively involved in the YMCA’s Indian Guides program with his son Gregg.

Ed was always ready for a good time and had an incredible sense of humor. He made sure the family took a vacation every year, creating memories at places like Yellowstone, Lake Shasta, the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods, Disneyland, and many more. Ed loved the water, and boating was always an important part of the family’s adventures and happiest times together.

Ed was employed by Kaiser Steel his entire professional career and worked his way up through the company until his early retirement at age 52 when the company was purchased by a large foreign investment company. Ed and LaRue were always smart with their money. Ed was a hard worker his whole life, often owning many rental properties he managed himself. Beginning at a young age Ed supported himself and even taught himself to drive at age 14 when his boss threw the car keys at him to make deliveries.

Ed and LaRue were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on September 17, 1966. Ed served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints such as Bishoprics, Scouting positions and the Stake High Council. Ed and LaRue later served together in the Los Angeles and Oquirrh Mountain Temples as ordinance workers.

Ed had a love of boating and continued to upgrade his boats over the years. After living in the same home for nearly 4 decades, they decided to upgrade to a larger yacht that they could move onto permanently and sell their home. They docked in a slip in the Cabrillo Beach Marina and were members of the Yacht Club. Ed served as Chairman and on the Board of Directors and he and LaRue loved to go dancing at the Yacht Club as often as possible. Ed was meticulous and organized, and delighted in showing off the engine room of the boat proudly named K-LaRue.

When Ed and LaRue were both 79, their family convinced them to sell the boat and move to Utah to the Daybreak Community where they lived for 18 years. Often times Ed would say, “I couldn’t imagine a better place to spend our Golden Years.” He loved where he lived which was steps from the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. He was famous in the Community for never missing a day to go to the Community Center Gym where he would ride the recumbent bike. Ed and LaRue would attend many social events in the Community and if there was music they would be dancing. They were even nominated Prom King and Queen at the Daybreak Prom.

Ed and LaRue have 15 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. The grandchildren remember “Captain Eddie” who was always full of fun and teasing. They loved visiting their grandparents on their boat and taking trips to Catalina Island or to chase dolphins and riding in Grandpa’s dinghy boat. You couldn’t walk up to grandpa without him holding out his hands under yours to do a hand slapping game or dropping a dollar for you to attempt to catch. He continued these traditions even with the great-grandchildren. Ed and LaRue were always there for the grandchildren and made sure to attend every important event in their lives.

Ed developed Dementia in his later years and always kept everyone on their toes. When you would ask him how he was doing he would always reply with a quick wit “Staying above ground.” Ed was cheerful and happy until the very end.

Ed Kay was a man of quiet strength. He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and served faithfully. He faced war with courage, built a successful career through integrity and hard work, and devoted himself to his wife and eternal companion and their forever family. His greatest accomplishments were not the medals he earned or the positions he held, but the home he built, the example he set, and the love he gave to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He believed that faith, family, and service were life’s highest callings, and he lived those values every day. He was unselfish and never criticized or complained. He was always cheerful and filled with faith, virtue and humility.

Ed is survived by his wife LaRue. Children: Gregg (Julie) Kay, Susan (LaVar) Christensen and Michael Kay. 15 Grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S. 700 E., Draper, Utah on July 11th at 12:00 pm. A viewing will be held from 11:00-11:45 am for those who would like to visit the family. Interment will be held afterwards at Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, Utah.