Keith Edward Flower

Keith Edward Flower, 76, passed away peacefully in his home on June 7, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who lived a life full of unique adventures and deep dedication to his family and work.

Keith was born on September 29, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, to AnnaMae Whiting and Jake Cecil Flower. He was the youngest of three children. When Keith wasn’t at home or school, he could be found out in nature with a gun or a fishing pole. Keith graduated from North Powder High School in 1967 with 10 other classmates who cared deeply for each other. They had all gone to school together since the first grade keeping a strong bond throughout their lives.

From 1968 to 1971, Keith served a Spanish speaking mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico. It was the perfect mission for him, where he got to ride horses and carry guns. His great love for Mexico and the people there lasted a lifetime, and he traveled back there frequently through his life with his family.

After his mission, Keith earned his bachelor's degree in family social work from BYU Provo, graduating in 1974. Following college, he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1974 to 1976. He spent part of his service in Texas and part in Frankfurt, Germany, where he worked in a hospital as a pharmacy technician.

In 1978, Keith began a long and successful career as a health physicist. He worked at the INL and Argonne for about 34 years before retiring. Keith lived in Firth, Idaho, for 37 years, his home was a true sanctuary in an amazing community with many neighbors and friends that he greatly loved.

Keith was a true jack of all trades who owned every tool known to man and knew how to fix absolutely anything. Whether he used goop or spray paint, he always found a way to make it work. He used his handy skills to maintain a collection of four-wheelers, jet skis, and boats. He loved using these to take his family camping and spend quality time together out in nature. He also loved fishing and cherished the trips he took with his lifelong friends and family. Keith also had a deep affection for dogs, openly admitting that he preferred them to most humans (including his wife and kids ).

Keith had the wonderful ability to make people laugh even if he wasn’t meaning to. He also had a very giving heart. He hated seeing people go without and was often seen giving money or food to missionaries and his family. Keith loved to feed people, and cooking and sharing meals was truly his love language. He loved to pay his grandchildren to come over and do all kinds of odd jobs for him. His unique and creative nature also showed in his work, as he started numerous businesses throughout his life. He ran businesses fixing and selling cars, as well as selling a great many odd items from garage sales. He also started a snow cone business and a fireworks business. The fireworks business started on a bet and still exists today, proudly carried on by his daughter.

Keith married Carla Gwilliam in 1972. Together they had five children before divorcing in 1994. In 1996, Keith married Laura Parker, the love of his life. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Vernal Utah Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life surrounded by family, community and friends. Keith loved the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and lived it by serving others and speaking about his missionary service. Keith was a wonderful grandfather who loved his grandchildren and loved teaching them to work hard and serve others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura; his children, Shad Flower, Ashley Tino, Brooke Flower, Tanys (Nick) Searle, and Tyson (Stephani) Flower; his stepchildren, Andrew Parker and Christian Parker; his sister, Kay Hall; and his brother, Lee Flower; sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be at the Goshen Cemetery, with military rites. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

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