John Russell Edens

John R. Edens, 80, died September 27, 2022, peacefully at home.

John was born April 6, 1942, in Wray, CO to Bertha and William Edens.

He grew up and attended schools in Wray and Idalia graduating in 1960.  He met Viola Barr in high school and married December 11, 1960.  To this union four children were born, Deb, Denise, Dana, and Eric.

John started in autobody repair under his mentor, Floyd Renzelman. He later purchased the business known as John’s Body Shop and continued in his career until health concerns caused him to retire.  His true love was rebuilding and restoring old cars.  He restored several old (beautiful) cars for his kids one being a ’55 Chevy with Eric that won many races and awards.

John was a volunteer fireman for almost 25 years.  He loved the thrill of fighting fires, the comradery and shenanigans with the guys.  He also loved all sports and was an avid supporter of the Wray and Eaton High School sports teams.  He volunteered to run the chain at the football games for 10 years and quit when Eric played in high school so he could watch.  When his health declined, and he could no longer get out to watch in person he could be found in his chair listening to the games on the radio.  He was also a big fan of the old westerns on TV.

John had a passion for golfing.  He played for many years, in many leagues, tournaments and golf road trips with the guys.  He always dreamed of retiring and playing golf every day.  Even when his health would not allow him to play, he would still go out and ride the course.

On June 23, 1992, John married Rebecca (Beckie) Gelvin.  John welcomed Beckie’s children Jennifer, Jeff, Amber, Megan and Natalie into his home and life.  They were married until her death in 2012.

John is preceded in death by his by his first wife Viola Edens, second wife Beckie Edens, stepdaughter Jennifer Gelvin, brother William, and parents Bertha Edens-Shaver and William Edens and stepdad Zell Shaver.

He is survived by his four children, Deb (Russ) True, Denise (Mike) Gilbert, Dana (Stan) Mader, Eric (Carmen) Edens; grandkids, Jennifer Mader, Jessie (Mike) Ackelson, Jamie (Jim) Rose, Brennen (Nikki) True, Kris Gilbert, Jenna (Johnny) Severance, Nathan Gilbert, Shelby (Grayson) Brunner, Cole Edens, Casey Edens; great-grandkids, Jaeden Mader-Robinson, Cale Stormo, Laron Gilbert, Taylor Ackelson, Jaelynne Severance, Brynleigh Ackelson, Adley True, Jace Severance, Gannon True, Josie Rose, Walker True, Blake Edens; Beckie’s children and grandchildren Jeffrey Gelvin and Shelby, Maddie and Cami Singleton, Hannah and Jenna Gelvin, Molly and Ella Cobb, Jada and Jaz Rouse; Amber Speicher and Jacob, Ezra, Quinn, and Ozzy, Megan Welp and Shannon, Darin, Regan, Zachary and Thomas, Natalie Holland and Jeremy, Ethan and Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in John’s memory to the Wray Volunteer Fire Department.

Cremation was requested with a Memorial Service being held on Friday, October 7, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.