Ed passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8th at the age of 91. Born in St. Louis, Ed was married to Elizabeth (Betty) for over 70 years.

Father of Cathy Roennigke (Don/Dee), Dan Melchior (Melissa), Chris Patterson (Judy) and Coni Gosik (Kevin); Grandfather of Janelle Sullivan (Aaron), Brad Roennigke, Leslie Wyatt (Mike), Emilie Hatton (Paul), Michael Melchior, Katelyn Gosik, Sydney Gosik and Stella Gosik; Great Grandfather of Quinton Sullivan, Sloan Sullivan, Zachary Wyatt, Bradley Wyatt, Conner Hatton and Gracie Hatton.

Ed was known as Papa to family and Bud to work friends. He was a simple man who always thought of others before himself.

He was a Navy veteran, a water rescue volunteer for Jefferson County, a Lake Tishamingo Patrol Boat Captain, an accomplished carpenter and metal lather.

Ed created ornaments and keepsakes for Christmas and holidays out of pieces of scrap wood and light bulbs. Family and friends cherish the many creations he crafted.

Ed was not an educated man, but he more than made up for this with common sense, true grit and hard work. He built his dream house with his own hands at Lake Tishamingo.

He was almost child-like in his appreciation for the simpler things in life such as trains, gadgets and toys. Very resourceful in figuring ways to fix anything. Ed reflects a breed of Americans that are sadly fading away and will be missed.

Papa…respected, appreciated, loved and will certainly be missed.

Services: A Military service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Friday, February 23rd at 10:30am. Any memorial or donation simply to any charity you choose, but Ed would not have wanted or expected it.