Cloyce Ormen Edwards

Cloyce Ormen Edwards passed away June 8, 2017 at his home in West Magic, ID.

 He was born to Clarence Oliver and Eva Josephine Edwards on December 11, 1931 in Jewel, Kansas. The family migrated to Filer, Idaho where Cloyce grew up. In 1952, he married his sweetheart, Betty Jean George and together they had five children.

Cloyce joined the Idaho Army National Guard in the Fall of 1949 and was drafted into the Korean War in March of 1953. He shot one of the highest scores on the rifle range at Ft. Ord; later he attended sniper school at Ft. Lewis. He received two Distinction Service Awards for outstanding performance. In 1955, he started a gunstock business, making gunstocks for shooters around the world. For 11 years he held the Idaho Pistol Shooting Champion title as well as several National shooting titles.

In 1960, he opened the Blue Lakes Sporting Goods in Twin Falls where he specialized in gun repair as well as selling guns. In addition to running the store, he joined the Twin Falls Police Department and worked in the uniform and detective divisions.

Twelve years later, he started the first private ambulance company in Twin Falls, taking it over from the mortuaries. This private service became one of the largest ambulance services per square mile in the U.S. Cloyce flew many helicopter rescue missions, including picking up Evil Knieval when he attempted his jump of the Snake River. He successfully operated this service for 19 years. He was appointed by Governor John Evans, to head up a task force to begin an Emergency Medical Service for the State of Idaho. Cloyce graduated from the first EMT class.

 Later, he was appointed as the Civil Defense Director of Twin Falls County. Cloyce also served as the Twin Falls County Coroner for 16 years. When he sold his business, he moved to West Magic Reservoir to continue his fishing interests. Cloyce loved driving his tractor, flying his helicopter, playing the piano and the harmonica.

Cloyce is survived by his children Calvin (Karla) Edwards, Cerese (Chuck) Davison, Candace (Vance) Whitaker, Carmen Edwards, his close friend and companion Billie Spencer-Grubb, Brothers Carrol (Carol Jean) Edwards,  Conard (Judy) Edwards, Sister Clyda Waldon, 11 Grandchildren, and 27 Great-Grandchildren. Cloyce was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, an infant child, and a great grandson. 

A viewing will be held, Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 9-10 a.m. at Parke’s Magic

Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls with Funeral services following at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow services at Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls.

All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke’s Funeral Home of Twin Falls, ID. Online guestbook at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.