Edwin Robert Williams, Sr. was born in St. Louis, MO on March 9, 1953, to Robert Walter Williams and Clementine Margaret Dooley Williams, who both preceded him in death. He was raised by his parents, in St. Louis, along with his three siblings. His twin brother- Erwin Walter Williams, also preceded him in death.

Edwin attended school in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating from Soldan High School in 1973. While attending high school, he was president of the Gymnastics Club. After graduating, he married Sharon (Yates) Williams. From this union, four children were born. Following high school, Edwin attended and received a certificate of completion from Ranken Technical College where he studied automotive and mechanics. His mechanical skills allowed him to obtain employment at several large industrial and manufacturing companies—the last of which was Hussmann Corporation, where he worked for fourteen years until he retired in 2012. Besides working on cars, Edwin loved to build and paint things of all sorts. In fact, he meticulously painted many of his freinds’ and relatives homes. One of his lifelong passions and hobbies was building and riding bicycles; he became very skilled at this and continued to rebuild them throughout his life.

Edwin accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Reverend Herman W. Gore, Jr. (deceased) at Christ Southern Mission Baptist Church. He served God with his outgoing attitude and ability to befriend everyone he met. He never met a stranger, and through his belief in service to others, he enjoyed the spirit of fellowship that cooking, singing, and dancing evoked. His famous chili, barbequed ribs, and Mr. Eddie’s Barbeque Sauce are a few of his lasting recipes among family and friends. Ultimately, it was Edwin’s spirituality and the love he had for others that motivated him to press on—even through life’s most challenging circumstances.

Edwin married Mary Augusta (Lindsey) Williams on July 18, 2007. They were married for nearly 10 years until he departed this life on Friday, January 20, 2017.

Edwin leaves to cherish his memory: five children ~ Yolanda Rochelle Howze (John), Kimberly Denise Williams, Lisa Maria Cohnes (Thomas), Edwin Robert Williams, Jr., and Paul Edwin Williams. He also leaves: two sisters ~Arlene Beverly Parker Thompson (Clark) and Marlene Beatrice Adams; six grandchildren ~ Dominique Jemahl Luckett, Déja Monet Bowie, Alexia Denise Luckett, Thomas Lewis Cohnes, Jr., Kennedy Anise Cohnes, and Caden Bakari Stanton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Edwin was loved dearly by everyone he knew. He was a praying and singing soul and in many prayers he would lead, he often proclaimed, “God bless, Everyone—All around, all around.” He will be remembered by these words.

Services: A celebratory gathering will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 beginning with a wake at 10:00 am and followed by a service beginning at 11:00 am and expected to conclude around 1:00 pm. Please share your memories and condolences below.

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