Went to a funeral tonight

scaeagles · 08-14-2009, 09:31 PM

On Aug 11, perhaps the toughest man I've ever known passed. 64 year old Evan Edwards. He passed in his sleep quite unexpectedly.

He was a 20 year Air Force man, enlisting as he got out of high school in 1963, serving two tours in Vietnam, where he ran missions to recover sensitive materials from downed aircraft. He received many many medals and commendations for his service (I only learned of the medals and missions tonight). Upon leaving the Air Force, her became a successful business man working in estate planning.

He got married in the late 60s. He had a son, who died of cancer in 1987 at the age of 17. The only thing Evan ever said to me about that was that he prayed for everyone he knew that has kids to never go through that, as he said he'd never got over it and knew he never would.

The stress of that death led to his divorce, and he remarried in 1990, and immediately was blessed with another son, Russ, whom he completely invested his life in, and was a tremendous father to. That's how I came to know Evan, as I had the privilege of coaching Russ in basketball for two seasons. If anyone remembers the pictures of my team I posted links to several years ago that became somewhat infamous around here (or another previous board), he was on that team (best player) and was in many of those pics. Evan would stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem at every game, soluting the flag.

This is the first time I've ever witnessed a military funeral (there were uniformed Air Force these performing a flag ceremony and they had a 9 gun salute I suppose - 3 guns, fired 3 times - not sure how that gets determined), and I was moved to tears as the flag and shell casings were presented to his widow and son.

He was a man of integrity, honor, passion, and character, having experienced more pain in his life than I could ever imagine, yet always pressed on.

Here's to you, Evan Edwards. Rest in Peace. No one deserves it more.

flippyshark · 08-14-2009, 09:55 PM

That's a lovely tribute, sca. 64 is too soon to go, but he sounds unforgettable.

MouseWife · 08-14-2009, 09:56 PM

The world has lost a good man.

Gemini Cricket · 08-14-2009, 10:21 PM

My condolences, Leo.
He sounded like one of the good guys.

BarTopDancer · 08-14-2009, 10:50 PM

I'm sorry for your loss.

to Evan

blueerica · 08-15-2009, 08:24 AM

To Evan... RIP.

Cadaverous Pallor · 08-15-2009, 08:48 AM

My condolences, Leo.

Not Afraid · 08-15-2009, 09:06 AM

My heart goes out to all of Evan's friends and family. 64 is way to young to leave this world.

Betty · 08-15-2009, 09:25 AM

That was very moving. How very sad.

LSPoorEeyorick · 08-15-2009, 12:42 PM

My sympathy, and my condolences, to all who knew him - and to you, Leo.

08-14-2009, 09:31 PM	#1
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	Went to a funeral tonight On Aug 11, perhaps the toughest man I've ever known passed. 64 year old Evan Edwards. He passed in his sleep quite unexpectedly. He was a 20 year Air Force man, enlisting as he got out of high school in 1963, serving two tours in Vietnam, where he ran missions to recover sensitive materials from downed aircraft. He received many many medals and commendations for his service (I only learned of the medals and missions tonight). Upon leaving the Air Force, her became a successful business man working in estate planning. He got married in the late 60s. He had a son, who died of cancer in 1987 at the age of 17. The only thing Evan ever said to me about that was that he prayed for everyone he knew that has kids to never go through that, as he said he'd never got over it and knew he never would. The stress of that death led to his divorce, and he remarried in 1990, and immediately was blessed with another son, Russ, whom he completely invested his life in, and was a tremendous father to. That's how I came to know Evan, as I had the privilege of coaching Russ in basketball for two seasons. If anyone remembers the pictures of my team I posted links to several years ago that became somewhat infamous around here (or another previous board), he was on that team (best player) and was in many of those pics. Evan would stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem at every game, soluting the flag. This is the first time I've ever witnessed a military funeral (there were uniformed Air Force these performing a flag ceremony and they had a 9 gun salute I suppose - 3 guns, fired 3 times - not sure how that gets determined), and I was moved to tears as the flag and shell casings were presented to his widow and son. He was a man of integrity, honor, passion, and character, having experienced more pain in his life than I could ever imagine, yet always pressed on. Here's to you, Evan Edwards. Rest in Peace. No one deserves it more.
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08-14-2009, 09:55 PM	#2
flippyshark Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,852	That's a lovely tribute, sca. 64 is too soon to go, but he sounds unforgettable.
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08-14-2009, 09:56 PM	#3
MouseWife Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Da' Beach Posts: 2,957	The world has lost a good man. __________________ Summa' time....when the livins' easy.........
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08-14-2009, 10:21 PM	#4
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	My condolences, Leo. He sounded like one of the good guys.
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08-14-2009, 10:50 PM	#5
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	I'm sorry for your loss. to Evan __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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08-15-2009, 08:24 AM	#6
blueerica Nueve Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,497	To Evan... RIP. __________________ Tomorrow is the day for you and me
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08-15-2009, 08:48 AM	#7
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	My condolences, Leo. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
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08-15-2009, 09:06 AM	#8
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	My heart goes out to all of Evan's friends and family. 64 is way to young to leave this world.
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08-15-2009, 09:25 AM	#9
Betty Kicking up my heels! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Silver State Posts: 3,783	That was very moving. How very sad. __________________ Nee Stell Thue
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08-15-2009, 12:42 PM	#10
LSPoorEeyorick scribblin' Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: in the moment Posts: 3,872	My sympathy, and my condolences, to all who knew him - and to you, Leo.
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