Reed Jay Lords

Reed Jay Lords, 92, of Idaho Falls, passed away June 5, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Nampa, ID. He was under the care of his loving family and Enhabit Hospice.

Reed was born September 12, 1931, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to William Rulen Lords and Agnes Lutz Lords. He grew up and attended schools in Rexburg, Idaho, and graduated from Madison High School. He also graduated from Idaho State University. Reed served dutifully in the United States Air Force and had a patriotic heart throughout his entire life.

On April 12, 1957, he married Shirlene Ann Marler in the Idaho Falls temple. Reed and Shirlene made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Reed worked for many decades as a school teacher at Ucon Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and in Twin Falls, ID. He retired in 1993 from Ucon Elementary.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which he served faithfully as a missionary in Brazil as a young adult. Later, after his retirement, he also served a mission in Cape Verde with his wife Shirlene. He served in many callings in the church, including ward and stake clerk, an ordinance worker at the Idaho Falls temple, and within the bishopric. He loved going to Girls’ Camp every year to help out as a priesthood holder. He enjoyed working in his garden and growing all sorts of fruits and vegetables, notably raspberries and potatoes; traveling the world, eating good food, and spending time with his family. Reed loved to be outdoors and greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren. He once bagged a moose on a hunting trip, which he was very proud of. He was very knowledgeable about nature and enjoyed taking family trips to locations such as Yellowstone National Park, where he was always glad to share the facts he knew. He was well known for his homemade root beer, which he made for every special occasion.

Reed is survived by his seven children: daughter Colline Lords of Bern, ID, son Jay Lords (Dianna) of Boise, ID, daughter Renae Lords of Boise, ID, son Paul Lords (Nancy) of Ammon, ID, son Darrell Lords (Lei) of Tokyo, JP, daughter Nanette Reimer (Shannon) of Nampa, ID, son Jonathan Lords (Tiffany) of Idaho Falls, ID; 29 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, and his brother Spencer Lords (Beth) of Rexburg, ID.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, and a great-grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Idaho Falls 9th Ward, 395 – 2nd Street, with Paul Lords officiating and Bishop Matt Hillman presiding. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral at 11 a.m. at the church. The family will also visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. Burial will be in the Ririe Shelton Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.