In Loving Memory

Kelly Lynn Carlson, 40, of Cedar City, Utah, passed away on October 31, 2026, at his home.

Kelly was born on August 21, 1986, in St. George, Utah, to Kelly Raymond Carlson and Shauna Mae Carlson. He grew up in St. George, attending Panorama Elementary, Pine View Middle, and Pine View High School, graduating in 2004. Exceptionally bright, with a natural aptitude for math and computers, Kelly was a computer nerd at heart, a passion that would eventually become his career. He continued his education at Dixie State and the University of Utah, pursuing studies in digital forensics, cybersecurity, and technology administration.

Kelly began his career with Washington City in 2010, initially working as a Help Desk Administrator before becoming the city's Network Administrator in 2017. He took great pride in his work, using his intelligence and creativity to develop innovative systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and help keep essential city services running, even during the pandemic. Throughout his years with the city, Kelly developed friendships across nearly every department, from the administrative offices to the police and fire departments and beyond. Everyone knew and loved Kelly. He later went on to become the IT Manager at Stout Roofing, where he continued to put his considerable knowledge to work.

Growing up surrounded by the beauty of Southern Utah, Kelly always had a deep love of the outdoors. He especially loved camping and fishing with family and friends. He was also an accomplished marksman who won several shooting competitions. He was so talented that he could toss his own clay pigeon into the air, aim, and shoot it out of the sky, time and time again!

Whether he was exploring a trail, riding his motorcycle, cooking something delicious, traveling, or getting lost in a good book, Kelly embraced the things he loved wholeheartedly. He had a pretty serious obsession with Pepsi, pastrami sandwiches, and beautiful tattoos. He was a voracious reader, a talented writer, and someone whose intelligence, creativity, and imagination seemed to know no bounds. Kelly was a lifelong lover of fantasy, especially the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman, as well as the Warhammer 40,000 novels published by Black Library.

An avid gamer known to his friends online as "Pweg," he absolutely loved PC and console gaming. Dota 2, World of Warcraft, Warhammer, and Dungeons & Dragons were some of his all-time favorites. He even built a custom gaming table for the countless D&D sessions he hosted. Whether they were battling armies, exploring imaginary worlds, watching tournaments and UFC fights, or just hanging out, Kelly treasured the time he spent with his friends. They often got together weekly, sometimes more, and their friendships extended beyond gaming, with some even working together and living in the same neighborhood.

His close friendships extended well beyond Southern Utah, through online gaming communities and Discord, where Pweg was known and loved by many people who shared his passions. As a friend beautifully expressed in a recent tribute, it was never really about the games they played or the places they went, but about the friendships they built along the way. To Kelly, they were more than his friends; they were his extended family.

Family was always at the center of Kelly's life. He shared an incredibly close bond with his parents, his sister, his brother-in-law, and his nieces. He was only eleven years old when he was a groomsman at Melissa and Andy's wedding. He absolutely loved being an uncle to Bell and Viola, who adored their Uncle Kelly right back. So many evenings were spent playing games, watching movies, getting ready for the holidays, and having parties. There was always laughter, silliness, and so much love!

Kelly was a devoted son who loved both of his parents deeply. When his dad became ill with cancer, Kelly was there for them every step of the way. Losing his dad in 2020 was devastating, but Kelly continued to show that same love and devotion in the way he cared for his mom. He was always there when she needed him, whether for something big or small, and never hesitated to help. His parents could not have asked for a more wonderful son.

Some of the family's most treasured memories were the simplest moments spent together. Whether they were hiking and looking for rocks for his mom, vacationing at the beach, spending time together at the cabin, playing Uno, or just enjoying each other's company, those moments meant everything. The space he leaves in his family will never be filled.

More than anything, Kelly will be remembered for his extraordinary heart. He was tender, kind, funny, and deeply loving. His nieces always thought of him as a gentle giant. We all did, really. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome. To those who loved him, he was simply the best of all of us.

Kelly is survived by his loving mother, Shauna Carlson of Hurricane, Utah; his sister, Melissa Curtis; brother-in-law, Andrew Curtis; and niece, Viola-Melisande Curtis, all of Burbank, California; as well as his niece, Isabella Curtis of New York City. He is also survived by his beloved fiancée, Ashley; many extended family members; and a remarkable circle of friends who will carry his memory with them always.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kelly Raymond Carlson; his grandparents, Alma and Thelda Mae Hansen and Leonard and Mildred Carlson; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kelly faced struggles that were not always visible to those around him, but he loved big and was deeply loved by so many. We wish he could have seen himself through our eyes, and we take comfort in the hope that he has finally found the peace he deserved.

We love you, Skeeps!

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life honoring Kelly Lynn Carlson will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall, 50 North Main Street, Washington, Utah. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Kelly are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Kelly’s online guestbook at https://www.spilsburymortuary.com/obituaries/Kelly-Lynn-Carlson?obId=50126603

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.