Kelly Reynolds Burningham

Kelly Reynolds Burningham, of Riverton, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. Kelly was born on April 20, 1948, to the late Floyd Reynolds and Rose (Wardle) Burningham.

Kelly married the love of his life, Chris (Tripp) Burningham, in 1983, and together they built a beautiful life and family. They later found their way back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were sealed for time and all eternity, something Kelly was profoundly proud of. Kelly also had the opportunity to serve in the temple doing temple work, something he thoroughly enjoyed and felt truly honored to do. His faith became a very meaningful part of his life. Through the years, Kelly and Chris shared countless memories, laughter, love, and all the ups and downs that come with a lifetime together.

Kelly proudly served his country in the United States Navy, something his family will always be proud of.

For most of his life, Kelly was self-employed, following in his dad’s footsteps by hauling hay. Later, he traded that work for a dump truck of his own, which he drove until his retirement.

Anyone who knew Kelly will remember his deep voice and unforgettable laugh. He was strong and could have a tough exterior, but underneath it was one of the kindest and most loving hearts. He loved to laugh, tease, tell stories, and spend time with the people he loved. He also took great pride in keeping everything clean and in its proper place, always with a cheerful spirit and a twinkle in his eye—as if the whole world should be just as tidy as he was.

Kelly enjoyed golf, horses, camping, and old Westerns. He especially loved Christmas and the traditions and time spent together as a family. As the years passed, some of the simplest moments became some of the most meaningful—watching golf and old Westerns, telling stories, laughing, and simply having his family around him.

More than anything, Kelly loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his family was his greatest pride and joy. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave will continue through the generations that follow him.

Kelly is survived by his loving wife, Chris; his children, Clint (Emily) Burningham, Kim (Cory) Carson, Jeremy Carlsen, and Ryan Carlsen; his nine grandchildren, Cassie (Cole) Shields, Dallon Burningham, Kiersten (Jordan) Allred, Kamryn (Kycen) Winn, Chantry Burningham, Jade (Tyson) Martin, Harley Carson, Krew Carlsen, and Ryder Carlsen; and his six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sue (Burt) Thacker, brother Dale (Lana) Burningham, and brother Jay (Korby) Burningham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Rose Burningham, and his son, Casey Carlsen.

The family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank-you to Kelly’s Intermountain Health Hospice team—Cassie, Eliza, Sheila, and Victoria. Their compassion, kindness, and loving care brought comfort to Kelly and his family during a very difficult time, and their support will never be forgotten.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., with funeral services to follow at the Riverton 19th Ward, 12877 South 4570 West, Riverton, Utah 84096. Interment will follow at the South Jordan City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy and American Legion Honor Guards.

Kelly leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly. His deep voice may be quiet now and his big laugh will be deeply missed, but the love he gave his family and the memories they shared with him will remain forever.

He was deeply loved, and he will never be forgotten.