Walter "Red" Hamby

Walter "Red" Hamby, 80, of Twin Falls passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after a hard fought battle with cancer.

He was born September 5, 1944, in Twin Falls, Idaho to James Robert “Bob” Hamby and Julia Mae McBride.

Red graduated from Kimberly High School in 1962. He joined the Idaho National Guard in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1971.

On September 23, 1972, he married Peggy Sue Hildreth. To this union, two daughters were born, Tami and Megan. They resided in Rock Creek Idaho, moving to Hollister in 1976, where they resided until Peg’s passing in 2009.

Red started his 28 year career with the Idaho Transportation Department in the Port of Entry in Ashton, Idaho and then transferred to the Hollister Port of Entry. In 1986 he began working in the Roving Port of Entry. He would set up portable scales all over Southern Idaho. 

Red became involved in competition pistol shooting. His sharp shooting earned him numerous trophies, including being on the Governor’s Ten shooters list twice, 1983 and 1991. In 1989 he became the president of the Idaho Peace Officers Association, serving a one year term.

In 1978 Red joined the Samon Tract Volunteer Fire Department. In 1992 he was appointed as a commissioner in the Salmon Tract Rural Fire Protection District.

After Red retired from ITD, he drove truck for several years. He was also a CDL examiner. Red then went to work at Twin Stop Chevron in Hollister where he saw some of the truckers he had known while working at the Port of Entry.

Red fully retired in February of 2014 and enjoyed many RZR rides. He rode many trails, but some of his most favorite rides were in the mountains surrounding Mackay, Idaho. He enjoyed the Mackay area so much that he moved there permanently in September of 2018. He became a valuable member of the community. Red loved to play Santa Claus. He was looking forward to being Santa this coming December as it will be the 100 year anniversary of Santa delivering candy to all the kids on Christmas morning.

Red was an active member of the Mt. McCaleb Masonic Lodge and the El Korah Shrine. Being a Shriner was his passion. He loved helping children. Red enjoyed driving his mini truck in many parades and around the town of Mackay.

Red’s health forced him to move back to Twin Falls in September of 2024.

He is survived by daughter’s Tami (Randy) Pawson, Twin Falls and Megan (Chris) Stephens, Twin Falls. Granddaughters Marisa (Jerry) Butts and Kalley (Cody) Stephens, Twin Falls. Sister Annette Tarpinian, Washington, brother Jim (Susan) Hamby, Twin Falls and sister-in-law Betty Hamby, Washington and a large extended family.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Peggy, parents Bob and Mae Hamby and brother John Hamby.

The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Kohtz and Visions Home Health and Hospice for the great care Red received.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301 at 1:00 P.M. 

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