Paul Kelly Larsen, the Big Dog, the Kelmeister, the man from "IF", 72, of Idaho Falls, died Saturday, December 28, 2019, at his home.

Kelly was born on April 13, 1947, in Preston, Idaho, to Mary Louise Maughan Larsen and Forrest Bybee Larsen. At an early age, his family moved to Star, Idaho, and Kelly was raised there on the family farm. He attended Borah High School in Boise, Idaho, and graduated in 1965. He loved playing football, basketball, and baseball while in high school.

In 1967, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He loved his time in the military and it fostered a great love for his country.

On May 22, 1976, he married Edna "Mac" McCormick in Meridian, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they had four children: Kyle, Kevin Kendra, and K.J.

Kelly was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including primary teacher, counselor, and secretary in an Elders Quorum Presidency, ward and stake missionary, scouting advisor, and his favorite: nursery leader.

He was a strong political conservative and fought for many conservative principles. He enjoyed having a role in the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee.

Kelly worked as a backhoe operator early in his career. Most of his career was spent working for DHL and he rose to the position of Regional Manager in Idaho Falls. He loved his work at DHL and loved helping people get packages to their destination.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Mac Larsen of Idaho Falls; children: Kyle (Gina) Larsen of Idaho Falls, Kevin (Sarah) Larsen of Boise, Idaho, and Kendra (Kevin) Smith of El Paso, Texas; 13 grandchildren; brother, Keith Larsen of Las Vegas, Nevada; and many cousins which he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, K.J. Larsen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2020, at the Idaho Falls North Stake Center, 955 Memorial Drive. The family will meet with friends from 6-8 pm, Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at the Grant-Central Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team.