Stuart Eugene Wray

Stuart Eugene Wray passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013. He was born July 5, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the oldest son of Eugene H. Wray and Carol Sherwood.

He spent his childhood in Kansas City, Missouri while his dad studied to be an oral surgeon. He moved back to Pocatello when he was ten. During summers, he enjoyed spending time with his grandma and grandpa Sherwood who ran a motel in West Yellowstone.

He went to school in Pocatello, graduating from Highland High in 1971. He participated in football during his senior year of high school.

After graduating from high school, he picked pineapple in Hawaii on the island of Lanai. He received his mission call to serve in the England Central Mission while in Hawaii. He served honorably for two years.

After his mission he met his eternal companion, Kleas Smith. They were married June 6, 1975 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They had three children: Michelle, Jared, and Danielle.

Stuart attended Idaho State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing. While going to college he was employed at Sears and Western Equipment. After graduating, he worked at Maxway Trucking and Western Dental Supply. He worked for Wall 2 Wall Carpet and Floor Covering for 18 years.

Stuart enjoyed hunting and fishing. His greatest birthday present was to take off in his pickup truck with a fishing rod. Stuart found great joy playing Santa Claus. He loved the spirit of the season and liked to share it with everyone. People would book him to play Santa for Christmas parties months in advance.

He served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Ward Mission Leader, Executive Secretary, Bishop of the Cedar 1st Ward for four years, and was serving as an instructor in the High Priest group when he passed away.

One of Stuart's attributes was that he thought of others before himself. He spent many hours taking the time to talk with anyone and always had a listening ear.

In 2008, Stuart was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis which limited his activities for the rest of his time with us. During the past three years, he dedicated time at Deseret Industries as a tutor as well as helped out at the Bishops Storehouse.

Within the last year, he had taken up a new hobby of taking card making classes with his daughter, Michelle.

Stuart is survived by his wife Kleas; daughters Michelle Wray and Danielle Wray; son Jared (Jessica), three grandsons Joshua, Cooper, and Kingston; His father Dr. Eugene H. Wray (Jackie); Siblings Debra Anne Chmielowiec (Dave), Robert, Susan Wray, Stephen (Ro), Jeremy (Diana), Gina Relic, Corinne Hubbard (Jeff), Barbara Adamson (Russ), Lisa Brown (Charlie); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Ann Sherwood.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Cedar St. LDS building, 550 W. Cedar St. Pocatello, Idaho. Family will meet with friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2013, at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. A viewing will also be held for one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Interment will follow at the Mountainview Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel. Visit www.pocatellofuneral.com for online condolences.