Eddie W. Dumont

He was born October 14, 1919, in Midvale, Utah, to Louis and Alta Jenkins Dumont, the eldest of 6 children. His siblings were Gene L., Harold L., and Max J.. Later, when his mother remarried, two more siblings were added: LaRue Grover Fowler and Barbara Grover Keele. Eddie’s family relocated to the Rigby/Archer area where he grew up.

Eddie’s education was a lifetime pursuit and included the “college of hard work.” He completed the 6th, 7th and 8th grades in one year and then spent the rest of his youth working for his support on area farms. He completed his GED at age 56 and continued on with some higher education. Eddie was an intelligent, self-taught man and an avid reader, committed to seeking opportunities to learn wherever he was.

Eddie loved his country and readily volunteered when he was needed. He served with Battery B, 42nd Field Artillery Battalion, of the 4th Infantry in the United States Army during World War II. Eddie was among the first wave of men that landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, and valiantly continued to service to the war’s end. He was a much decorated veteran and continued to serve veterans and veteran’s organizations the remainder of his life.

Eddie married his first love, Virginia Frances Iriana on July 21, 1945, with whom he had four beloved children: Margaret, Gary, Karen, and Marie. Virginia unfortunately passed away in 1964, leaving Eddie to raise four young children to adulthood, which he did independently and well.

Eddie was fortunate to find his second love Martha “Jean” Wilson. They married September 2, 1976, bringing Eddie three more beloved stepdaughters: Bonnie, Vikki, and Sylvia. Eddie and Jean shared the adventures of life to its fullest, remaining the light in each other’s eyes for 36 years. As Eddie battled with his health in his last years, Jean was always at his side, his greatest support and his biggest fan.

Eddie worked at Challenge Creamery in Idaho Falls for 32 years. In 1970, Eddie and Jean started their own business in pest control services. Their honesty and sound work ethics made them successful and respected. In 1987, they sold their business and retired, loving their annual winter visits to Yuma.

Eddie was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church to which he readily gave of his time and service. He quietly gave back to his community, standing behind his convictions with word and deed. He enjoyed his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as gardening, reading and outdoor activities. He was an intelligent, honorable, congenial, loving family man. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, his children Gary (Marie) of Rigby, Karen Dumont, and Marie (Chris) Bloxham of Idaho Falls, his stepdaughters Bonnie (Jr.) Hansen of Idaho Falls, Vikki (Rick) Kellogg of Centennial, Co. and Sylvia Wilson of Idaho Falls, son-in-law, Phil Alley of Virginia, his brother Max J. of Boise and Barbara Keele of Washington, his 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Gene and Harold, his sister LaRue and his beautiful daughter Margaret.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013, at Christ The King Catholic Church, on the corner of 17th and Woodruff in Idaho Falls, with Father Raul Covarrubias, celebrant. Burial will follow at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery in Rigby with Military Rites under the direction of the Bonneville Veterans Team . A rosary will be held on Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a visitation from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers the family suggest that donation be given to the Bonneville Veterans Team and may be sent to 825 E. 17th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404.