Kelly J Hebdon

Kelly J Hebdon was born on April 23, 1952, to LaRell “Bud” and Elva Jenkins Hebdon in Afton, Wyoming.  He joined siblings Irene, Brent, Sharon, Bruce, Dale, Gale, and Dennis.  Kelly grew up in Thayne spending his days hanging out with his friends, riding horses, camping up Greys River, hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his dad.  He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1970.

In 1970, he met Ellen Rainey who had moved across the street.  It didn’t take long before they were inseparable.  Their courtship was made official on July 30, 1971.  A few years later they had a daughter, Colby, and a few years after that, son, Kade.  Kelly and Ellen made their family home in Thayne.  They lived next to Ellen’s parents and across the street from Kelly’s parents and grandparents.

Kelly worked several jobs including a hunting guide for Jenkins Hunting Camp and a logger with his dad, but his true passion was for excavation.  In 1971, he, along with his father, started Hebdon Construction.  They worked side by side for many years and later welcomed Kade to the crew.  After his dad could no longer work, Kelly and Kade kept the tradition alive, eventually providing summer employment to his grandsons.  Kelly loved talking about work to anyone that would listen.  He was proud of the work he did and that he was able to teach his craft to his son and grandsons.  Kelly was fortunate to continue to work with Kade and Kysen up until a couple of weeks before his passing.

Kelly was a member of the Thayne Volunteer Fire Department for 24 years.  He held many positions including Fire Chief.  He formed many friendships and cherished his years spent in the department.  He served on the Thayne Town Council and even after his tenure was complete, Kelly enjoyed donating his time and equipment to help the Thayne Community along with giving many other anonymous donations.

Even though Kelly had a rough exterior, he enjoyed the time that he spent with his family and friends.  Kelly loved to see them come, but he especially loved to see them go.

Kelly passed away in his home on May 1, 2023, in true Kelly fashion, kicking and screaming.  Kelly is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ellen, his children, Colby (Dru) Jensen and Kade (Deirdre) Hebdon, his grandkids, Natalee Jensen, Rainey (Brandon) Turner, Justee Hebdon, Kysen Hebdon, Tristin Jensen, Keisel Hebdon, Jendre Hebdon, Blake Jensen, and Chanetell (Luke) Eddleman, great grandkids, Weslee, Charlee, Brookelyn, and Ellie, and siblings, Irene, Sharon, Bruce, and Dale.  Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, son-in-law, K.C. Jensen, grandson, Kambel Hebdon, and siblings Brent, Gale, and Dennis.  Kelly lived life on his own terms and made many lasting friendships and will be greatly missed.