Charles Edward DeGraffenried Jr.

Charles Edward DeGraffenried Jr. was born on October 1, 1943 to Charles Edward DeGraffenried and Irmadell Evans in Murray, Utah and was raised in South Jordan, Utah. There he was raised in a strong, gospel-centered home, with his three sisters and two brothers. He was taught an excellent work ethic in the family masonry business, and graduated from Bingham High School in 1961. 

Ed married the love of his life, Pamela Ashton in the Salt Lake Temple on May 4,1964. They started their marriage in South Jordan where he worked as a brick mason in business with his father-in-law and his father until 1970. Ed and Pam moved their family to Elberta, Utah where Ed managed an orchard operation for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1972 the family moved to Santaquin, Utah where he and his father ran the family orchard, and while there, the last of their nine children were born. In 1984, they sold the family orchard and moved to Kanosh, Utah where he purchased a farm and ranch operation; Ed lived in Kanosh until his passing. He enjoyed raising children, crops, calves, poultry, and buildings. He loved time on his horse and time with his family. Many family members and friends have special memories of his covered-wagon excursions and his Percheron team pulling in the community parades.

Ed was a faithful servant of the Lord. He and Pam loved working in the Manti Temple, serving a mission assisting with the construction of the Fort Lauderdale Temple, and serving as missionaries at Cove Fort. Ed served in several bishoprics and young mens presidencies, and throughout his life, Ed enjoyed home teaching. He was a lifelong student of the gospel and daily immersed himself in the scriptures.

Words aren’t sufficient to capture the full scope of this husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather’s life. Ed was a protector, provider, leader, rancher, farmer, brick mason, general contractor, friend, and great example. We miss him whole-heartedly. He taught us hope through his testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and we look forward to seeing him again.  

Charles Edward DeGraffenried Jr. is survived by his wife, Pam, and nine children: Charles (Lori) of Salt Lake City, Daniel (Lisa) of Kanosh, Emmaline (Bob) Chevalier of Kanosh, Jacob (Deana) of Gilbert, Arizona, Samuel (Jennifer) of Milford, New Hampshire, Caroline (Ray) Gardner of Boulder, Utah, Diana (Lewis) Whitaker of Brigham City, Owen (Jenell) of Kanosh and Anny (Stoyan) Kolev of Kanosh. In addition, Ed’s posterity includes 57 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Joy Campbell (Dennis), James (Carla), Paula (Craig) Evans, John (Lynette), and his brother-in-law, Paul Webecke. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane Webecke, and brother-in-law Greg Campbell.

On January 21, 2023, Ed passed away in his home after patiently enduring a long-fought battle with health complications. There will be a viewing held in his honor from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 27th and Saturday morning, January 28th, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Kanosh Chapel. Interment will follow at the Kanosh Cemetery.