L. Hal Edison was born on August 24, 1919, in Logan, Utah, and grew up in Hyrum. During the Great Depression, he began working at age 13 to support his family. After graduating from Logan High in 1937, he attended Utah State Agricultural College, pausing his studies in 1942 when he was drafted into WWII. He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in major campaigns in Europe and later serving as a company clerk due to his education and typing skills.

After the war, Hal returned to Logan, completed his business degree in 1947, and worked as a manager at Low Cost Drug. There, he met and later married Alice Nelson in 1949. He joined McKesson and Robbins Drug Company in 1951, working in pharmaceutical sales for over three decades, with territories spanning Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and other western states. He retired in 1984 after 33½ years with the company. For more information on Hal Edison, click here.