George Samuel Edwards Sr.

January 27, 1931 - March 21, 2013

George S. Edwards, Sr., age 82, of the Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 9:06 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Tuesday, January 27, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, IL, the son of Samuel and Ann (Williams) Edwards. George attended school in Mt. Vernon, IL, and was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School in 1949. During the time of the Korean War he answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Martha Ann Gibbons on Friday, June 27, 1952, in Harrisburg, IL, prior to his shipping out to Korea. Together they shared over fifty-six years of marriage until her death on December 29, 2008. George began his career of service with the Illinois State Police in 1958. He was in charge of the truck scales south of Marion, IL. After thirty-one years of service he retired at the end of 1988 as District 13 Master Sergeant. Other memberships include the National Fraternal Order of Police Illinois Trooper Lodge No. 41, a lifetime member of the Illinois Police Association, American Legion Post No. 2910 of Bloomington, IL and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Baseball and softball were a very important part of George’s life. He experienced tremendous enjoyment as a baseball coach for thirteen years in the 1960’s and 70’s for Marion Summer Pony and Colt Leagues. He had served as assistant softball coach for the Marion Senior and Junior High School for the past 15 years. George took pleasure working with the hundreds of Marion Athletes and the successes they achieved in both High School and Junior High levels. He also was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan. In his spare time he enjoyed working on his land near Buncombe, IL, in Johnson County. His family was a very important part of his life, always taking interest in their many activities as well as those of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those now left behind will cherish the many memories that have been created. He is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Debbie Edwards of Spring Hill, TN and Becky and Charles Almaroad of Marion; two sons and two daughters-in-law, George Samuel “Sam” and Rhonda Edwards, Jr. and Daniel Dale and Trina Edwards all of Marion; nine grandchildren, Kristy Barnes and her husband, Greg of Murray, KY, Carrie Almaroad of Marion, Jeremy Allen and his wife, Megan of Brighton, TN, Blake Edwards of Marion, Dillon Edwards of Marion, Brittney Edwards of Carbondale, IL, Ethan, Olivia, and Victoria Edwards of Marion; seven great grandchildren, Avery, Addison and Alexandra Barnes all of Murray, KY, Jaci Pickles and Allie Watson both of Marion, Fisher Ace Allen of Brighton, TN and Cameron Edwards of Marion; sister, Mary Watt of Mt. Morris, IL; brother and sister-in-law, John and Carolyn Edwards of DeWitt, IA; two sisters-in-law, Louise VanDeusen and her husband, Ted of Marion and Charline Murrie of Harrisburg, IL; brother-in-law, Sam Gibbons of Orion, MI, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. George S. Edwards, Sr., age 82, of the Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 9:06 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Tuesday, January 27, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, IL, the son of Samuel and Ann (Williams) Edwards. George attended school in Mt. Vernon, IL, and was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School in 1949. During the time of the Korean War he answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Martha Ann Gibbons on Friday, June 27, 1952, in Harrisburg, IL, prior to his shipping out to Korea. Together they shared over fifty-six years of marriage until her death on December 29, 2008. George began his career of service with the Illinois State Police in 1958. He was in charge of the truck scales south of Marion, IL. After thirty-one years of service he retired at the end of 1988 as District 13 Master Sergeant. Other memberships include the National Fraternal Order of Police Illinois Trooper Lodge No. 41, a lifetime member of the Illinois Police Association, American Legion Post No. 2910 of Bloomington, IL and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Baseball and softball were a very important part of George’s life. He experienced tremendous enjoyment as a baseball coach for thirteen years in the 1960’s and 70’s for Marion Summer Pony and Colt Leagues. He had served as assistant softball coach for the Marion Senior and Junior High School for the past 15 years. George took pleasure working with the hundreds of Marion Athletes and the successes they achieved in both High School and Junior High levels. He also was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan. In his spare time he enjoyed working on his land near Buncombe, IL, in Johnson County. His family was a very important part of his life, always taking interest in their many activities as well as those of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those now left behind will cherish the many memories that have been created. He is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Debbie Edwards of Spring Hill, TN and Becky and Charles Almaroad of Marion; two sons and two daughters-in-law, George Samuel “Sam” and Rhonda Edwards, Jr. and Daniel Dale and Trina Edwards all of Marion; nine grandchildren, Kristy Barnes and her husband, Greg of Murray, KY, Carrie Almaroad of Marion, Jeremy Allen and his wife, Megan of Brighton, TN, Blake Edwards of Marion, Dillon Edwards of Marion, Brittney Edwards of Carbondale, IL, Ethan, Olivia, and Victoria Edwards of Marion; seven great grandchildren, Avery, Addison and Alexandra Barnes all of Murray, KY, Jaci Pickles and Allie Watson both of Marion, Fisher Ace Allen of Brighton, TN and Cameron Edwards of Marion; sister, Mary Watt of Mt. Morris, IL; brother and sister-in-law, John and Carolyn Edwards of DeWitt, IA; two sisters-in-law, Louise VanDeusen and her husband, Ted of Marion and Charline Murrie of Harrisburg, IL; brother-in-law, Sam Gibbons of Orion, MI, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Arrangements for George Samuel Edwards, Sr. were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of visitation for family and friends was on Sunday, March 24th, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of George’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2013, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. William Rucker presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. The service began with several selections presented on the bagpipes by Bagpiper Paul Thompson. Special recorded vocal musical selection “Unforgettable”, recorded several years ago by George’s wife, Martha was presented. Also presented was the vocal musical selection, “Amazing Grace” by Megan Allen who accompanied herself on the piano. Interment followed next to his wife, in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Active pallbearers were Danny Edwards, George Samuel Edwards, Jr., Jeremy Allen, Blake Edwards, Dillon Edwards and Ethan Edwards. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Almaroad and Greg Barnes. As the casket was carried to the grave by the pallbearers Bagpiper Paul Thompson piped several selections. At the graveside during the committal service Bagpiper Paul Thompson piped the selection “Amazing Grace”. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and Illinois National Guard Flag Detail all of Marion, IL. Those participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Dan Fruge; Officer of the Day, Pat Campbell; Bugler, Jim Grieme; Color Guard, Jessie James and Bill Rice; National Colors, Ron Ganzer; V.F.W. Colors, Bill Reynolds; Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Bill Hampsey, Bill Hatfield, Nate Hopkins and Jerry Swisher. Members of the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail participating in the folding of the flag were PVT Justin Scheffler and SGT Bradley DuClos. During the folding of the flag Bagpiper Paul Thompson piped “America the Beautiful”. Presentation of the four folded flags to George’s children was by SGT Bradley DuClose. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “The Marion High School Softball Program”. Memorial contribution envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL, 62959. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.