Joe Richard Kelso

     Joe Richard Kelso, a resident of Bliss, Idaho, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025 peacefully at his home.

     Joe was born February 27, 1945 in Gooding, Idaho, the son of Andrew “Brian” Kelso and Hilma Matilda “Mickey” Kelso of Bliss, Idaho.

     Joe lived a life full of adventure and deep appreciation for the outdoors. He spent much of his time hunting, fishing, ranching and spending the day horseback. He especially loved the Salmon, Idaho area, where he raised his children and cherished time spent in his favorite areas of Carmen and Freeman Creek. Joe returned every chance he had to visit family and reconnect with the land he loved always saying Salmon was his favorite place to be.

     Joe worked in several occupations including the Union Pacific Railroad, logging, mining, and later retired from the State of Idaho Dept. of Transportation. Joe was known to be a stubborn man that would tell you exactly what his opinions of the world were and depending on your opinion would depend on your standing in his world. He was a witty man that could remember every rhyme and limerick he was taught but couldn’t tell you what he had for breakfast. He was further a kindhearted man that loved his children, grandchildren, and wouldn’t hesitate to help those in need in his community.

     Joe married Sharon Barnes in August 1964 in Gooding, Idaho. They had two children - Michael Joe Kelso (Stacey) of Idaho Falls, and Deborah Rae Carter (Ryan) of Gooding. They raised their children in Fairfield and Salmon. Through this marriage they had four grandchildren and three great-grandchild.

     Joe later married Sherry Kast in October 1991 in Elko, Nevada. They resided in Bliss for the past 34 years. Throughout this marriage they raised a son/grandson - Vito Pasquali Kelso (Allison) of Nampa, and he inherited 5 step children - Deanna (Rick) Barnett of Elm, Washington, Dalen Kast (Kelly) of Bliss, Kimberly Lampo, Michelle (Eric) Gilstrap of Caldwell and Jennifer (Torry) McDowell of Boise. They had 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. 

     Joe is survived by one sister Pearl “Tillie” Slane of Bliss and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Joe is preceded in death by: his parents; his eldest brother - Everett “Lee” Kelso; his twin brother - John Edward Kelso; and sisters - Mary Ellen (Owen) Bruno, Blanch “Dutch” (Jimmy) Harder, Peggy (Jack) Exon, Marjorie (Johnny) Miller, Evelyn “Dee Dee” (Bill) Harwood; step daughter - Kimberly Lampo; and great-grandson - Alan Kast.

     At Joe’s request there will be no funeral service.

     Cremation arrangements under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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