Jerry Walter Redmon, Longtime Idaho Prison Official, Dies at 83

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Jerry Walter Redmon, who had a long career in the Idaho prison system, retiring as Deputy Warden of Security, passed away on January 28, 2026 in Portales, New Mexico at the age of 83. After retiring, Redmon pursued his passion for woodworking, creating doll houses, saddle shops, and full-sized saddles. He moved to Portales in 2024 to live with his daughter and son-in-law, who built him a woodworking shop so he could continue his craft.

Why it matters

Redmon's story highlights the varied career paths and retirement hobbies of those who dedicate decades of service to public institutions like the prison system. His move to New Mexico to live with family in his later years also reflects common trends of elderly Americans seeking to be closer to loved ones in their final years.

The details

Redmon began his career in the Idaho prison system as a Correctional Officer and worked his way up to Deputy Warden of Security at the Idaho Maximum Security Facility before retiring in 1995. In retirement, he pursued his lifelong passion for woodworking, creating intricate doll houses, miniature saddle shops, and full-sized saddles. After his wife passed away in 2024, Redmon moved to Portales, New Mexico to live with his daughter and son-in-law, who built him a woodworking shop so he could continue his craft.

• Redmon was born on June 5, 1942 in Boise, Idaho.
• He joined the U.S. Air Force as a young man and served 4 years in Japan.
• Redmon began working in the Idaho prison system after returning from the Air Force.
• He retired from the Idaho Maximum Security Facility in 1995.
• Redmon passed away on January 28, 2026 in Portales, New Mexico at the age of 83.