Merrill "Eddie" Edwards
September 12, 2012
Merrill “Eddie” Edwards, 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. A visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2012, with a funeral service at 10 a.m., on Monday, September 17, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. A reception for family and friends will follow the graveside service at the V.F.W. John Myers Post #3519, 413 South Lincoln Street, Knoxville.
Merrill was born December 3, 1931, in Knoxville, IA, to Dora and Vincent Edwards. He went to school in Knoxville, where he enjoyed playing basketball, football, track, and later boxing. He then stepped up for his Country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1948, taking his honored place as a veteran of the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Navy in 1952, he married his beloved wife, Melva Don Cox, from Harvey, IA, in 1953. They moved to Des Moines soon after, where he started work at Coca-Cola Bottlers as a route sales driver in 1953. In 1955, they had a son, Gary; in 1956, a daughter, Janet, and in 1959, a son, Mark.
In 1954, they moved to the Des Moines Southside where they lived, loved and raised their family and enjoyed spending time with their friends. Merrill moved up the ladder with Coca-Cola to the position of Plant Manager until he retired from the company in 1978. He opened Southland Vending Company in Des Moines. While successfully operating his vending company, he also took on the position of Warehouse Manager at Nesbit Distributing (Budwieser) in Des Moines. Merrill saw to it that his children received a good education from the Des Moines Public school system southside schools. He passed his love of sports on to his children, always encouraging them to do the best and be the best they could be. He was a good friend to all that knew him, shook his hand, shared conversation and laughs. He was clearly a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother.
He will be deeply missed by his beloved and devoted wife of 58 years, Melva; daughter, Janet, and son, Mark, of Des Moines; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Norma Kane and Roberta (Ed) McDonald of Knoxville; and brother Robert (Doris) Edwards and half brother, Ernie (Billie) Wilfong of Omaha; as well as many, many nieces and nephews.
Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ralph and Donald; sisters, Florence and Alberta; and beloved son, Gary.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Johnston or to his family.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Peggy Sharp
09/17/2012
Melva,
I am sorry for your loss of Merrill. I remember well the kindness of you and Merrill many years ago when I was young and foolish. Marilyn and I talk about the fond memories of time spent at your home when your children were young. Also, in his kindness Merrill hired Kermit twice at Coca Cola when we were struggling at the beginning of our married life. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Peggy Sharp
Pennie(Marchant)&Jerry Beener
09/16/2012
Melva, Janet,and Mark
Sorry to hear of Eddie's passing. I remember all the things we did together as families, love the memories of all our camping trips. Its has been nine years since dad passed this year and we would talk of all the fun times we all had many times thru the years. You all our in our thoughts and prayers.
Dee Munyon May
09/16/2012
Mark, I read of your father's passing today and wanted to send my sympathy to you and your entire family. I lost my dad last year and still ache for him. Just hold on to your own special memories and know others care.
Terri Voegtlin Kane
09/16/2012
Melva and family, I was so sorry to read about Eddie's passing. I have fond memories of him when dad worked with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Capt. R. J. Hays
09/16/2012
On the behalf of the service organizations of Knoxville, We all morn the loss of another comrade in arms, and will show our respect for his service and sacrifice with a Military Funeral at Graceland.
Capt. R. J. Hays
USMM (Ret.)
Chaplain
Mark Manley
09/14/2012
Melva, Janet, and Mark:
I am very saddened by us losing Uncle Merrill. My thoughts are with you. I know that Merrill, Cy, Gary, and Kerry shared a huge group hug on September 12th.
I'll miss his humor, his quick wit, his laugh, and his love for his family. I loved talking with him about politics and sports, and listening to his stories about the old times. He sure made me laugh alot.
He will truly be missed.....