Robert Croshaw Geddes

Robert Croshaw Geddes of Banida, Idaho — devoted father, community servant, statesman, educator, veteran, and beloved patriarch — passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving a legacy of faith, service, and love that touched his family, community, and church. Robert lived a life defined by service and integrity.

He married Carma Deloras Larson, his lifelong companion and the “wind beneath his wings,” on May 21, 1947 in the Logan Temple. Together they raised a loving family of four children; Pamela, Kenneth, Robert and Daryl. Additionally, Robert leaves behind a posterity of 20 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren — a legacy of faith, integrity, and devotion that will endure for generations. Robert and Carma built a home of warmth and hospitality, welcoming friends, church leaders, family members and many others. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

For 24 years, he served in the Idaho State Legislature. He became known for steady leadership and doing what he believed was right. One of his sons once said, “Though he was a politician, he was never political.” Even those who disagreed with him respected his fairness. As chairman of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, he helped guide the state budget in collaboration with colleagues from both parties. Notably, he was the last living World War II veteran to have served in the Idaho Legislature.

Robert’s life of service began long before public office. Born on a farm, he learned the value of work early — working the land as a boy and later, spending decades cultivating the land and supporting his family through his tireless efforts. As a high school student, he drove a school bus for two years. Over the course of his life, there seemed to be little he could not do. He was a mechanic, a tractor salesman, an insurance agent, a deputy assessor, a farmer — and if floors needed sweeping, he swept them. He could fix anything — and could do it with either hand. He even played ping-pong ambidextrously. Whatever he set his mind to, he excelled at.

During seventh grade he became seriously ill when a small sliver turned into a blood infection. He spent three weeks in the hospital, unconscious part of the time. A new drug, Sulfa, was brought in from Chicago and saved his life.

Following graduation in 1945, he joined the Merchant Marines. As his ship pulled out of San Francisco Bay, news came that the atomic bomb had been dropped and everything changed. He continued his service across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal, ready and willing to serve his country. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946, he was honorably discharged in May 1947.

He dedicated himself to education, earning his degrees from Utah State University and teaching at Grace High School. When the principal left, students petitioned for him to lead the school, and he was appointed principal. At age 97, he received an honorary degree in political science from USU in recognition of his lifetime of service.

Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ was central to his life. He served as a bishop, high councilor, and stake president in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his beloved wife, Carma opened their home to many and all who visited left well-fed.

Robert was ambitious, positive, and extremely gracious and kind. He was grateful for what he had and treated everyone — including those who cared for him in his later years — with warmth and respect. As a young boy, he once set the back room of the farmhouse on fire. He would later spend the rest of his life setting his community on fire — not with flames, but with service and goodness.

He traveled to many countries across the world. He loved his new cars and his old dogs. But above all, he loved his family. He faithfully supported his children and grandchildren in their activities, rarely missing an event. His grandchildren loved him dearly, and they knew he loved them in return.

His life stands as a testament to a faith lived, a family loved, and a community faithfully served.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Preston East Stake Center, 301 N. State, Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held on Friday from 6-8 pm at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho and again prior to the service on Saturday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the church. He will be interred in the Oxford Idaho Cemetery at the foot of the mountain, overlooking the farm that shaped his family’s lives. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.

Services will be streamed live and can be viewed Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/oKAfzxykEy8?feature=share