Kevin Jay Beckstead

Kevin Jay Beckstead, adored and spoiled son of Larry and Joanne Beckstead, left behind his pain and health struggles of the past several years on the beautiful afternoon of May 29, 2026. He was surrounded by loving family who reluctantly accepted his leaving and wished him Godspeed and farewell. Kevin was a fierce and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and neighbor, giving his all to anyone in need.

Kevin loved being a South High School Cub and represented his school proudly as the catcher on the 1974 State High School Baseball Championship team. Kevin had a long career in the gas utility industry, beginning as a proud and loyal employee of Mountain Fuel Supply Company. This allowed for everlasting memories of colleagues, supervisors, and opportunities, including meeting country music legend Merle Haggard during breakfast at his hotel while Kevin was responding to a hotel kitchen gas leak, providing assistance in support of Pacific Oil and Gas after the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, and providing his expertise during construction of the Salt Lake City 400 South TRAX project. In January 2007 while working early in the morning in Salt Lake County, Kevin came upon a young woman who had been trapped in her car in a watery ditch overnight, and he provided her with jackets, gloves, and the help she needed for her safe recovery.

Kevin held various leadership roles in Cub and Boy Scouts and enjoyed going on adventures with his troops. He loved involvement in sports in all capacities - playing; coaching little leaguers in football, baseball, and soccer; and loyally watching his favorite teams, win or lose. His many years of golfing and bow hunting with best friend Steve brought lots of happy memories and stories to share; and Kevin’s happy places the last several years fishing at Viva Lake Naughton in Wyoming and traveling to Idaho for lottery tickets gave him joy and diversion from his pain, meeting the dearest friends in Kemmerer and Lava Hot Springs.

Kevin was preceded in death by his beloved parents, in-laws Don and Shirley Tidwell, and his four-legged friends Stokey, LeBeau, Brutus, George, and Monet.

Kevin is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie; adored children Nick and Kylee (Jake); and precious grandchildren Teddy and Eloise; in addition to cherished siblings Maurene, Sharon, Karen, Michelle and Larry; many admiring in-laws, nieces and nephews, and cuddle buddy Ruffles.

A private family viewing and service were held, and a celebration of life for Kevin will be planned at a later date.

Love-a, love-a, love you Papa!

Stop to watch a Perry Mason rerun or listen to Conway Twitty Radio in your remembrance of Kevin.