Edwin Ives Obituary

Edwin Eugene Ives

March 15, 1934-

April 23, 2023

Edwin Eugene "Gene" Ives passed peacefully from this life into the presence of the Lord on April 23, 2023, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On May 3, 2025, his family gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, for a joint celebration of life to honor both Gene and his beloved wife, Dorothy Lankford Ives. Following the service, they were laid to rest together, side-by-side with Gene's parents.

Gene was a true Southern gentleman, a man of faith, character, and enormous wit. He was a devoted husband, a protective and loving father, and a respected leader and mentor. An accomplished singer and actor, Gene possessed gifts that opened doors to places most never see, including a memorable role at the Santa Fe Opera. He was a builder, a tinkerer, and the ultimate "I can do that" guy. A world traveler and lover of culture, he was best known as an irrepressible optimist and a master of the "shaggy dog" story.

In 1955, Gene and Dot moved from Birmingham to Albuquerque, where they raised their children and Gene began a long, successful career at Sandia National Laboratories. He flourished in the New Mexico arts community, helping to establish a thriving local theater scene. In the late 1980s, his work took them to San Ramon, California, a season of life filled with global travel, Bay Area performances, and regular trips to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Gene and Dot returned to Albuquerque in 2017 to be near their daughter, Kathleen. Gene spent those final years devoted to Dot's care and enjoying the simple joys of podcasts and morning songs at the breakfast table. After Dorothy's passing in 2021, Gene lived his final two years surrounded by his Albuquerque family, enjoying visits from Ken and Jeff and grandkids. He passed away with his children by his side, enveloped in the same prayer and song that had defined his life.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Lankford Ives; his parents, Susie Minette Ives and Christopher Edwin Ives II; and his brother, Christopher Edwin Ives III. His legacy of joy and music is carried on by his children, Kathleen (Alan) Clawson, Ken (Polly Sanders) Ives, and Jeff (Debbie) Ives; his four grandchildren, Elise (Chad) Brown, Elly (Justin) Kim, Mary (Jakob) Garcia, and Christopher (Em) Clawson; and his two great-grandchildren, Jillian Brown and Milo Kim. He also leaves behind his brothers, James (Susan) Ives and John (Jo Ellen) Ives, along with a community of friends who will forever remember his glorious voice and generous heart.