George Edward “Ed” Tillman, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, died July 1, 2014 in St. Louis at the age of 72, of heart disease. He leaves his wife Mary of 52 years, his four children: Julia Woessner (Jeff), Dianne Stevens (Trey), Jennifer Tillman, and George Edward “Trey” Tillman, III (Jenn); and nine grandchildren: Mary and Grace Woessner; Alexandra, MacPherson, and Anna Stevens; Amanda Warning and Ian Thompson; and Sydney and Georgia Tillman. He is also survived by his siblings: Suzanne Carpenter, Robert Tillman, and Dianne Maclin. He was predeceased by his parents and granddaughter, Elise Woessner.

Ed Tillman, Jr., was born January 23, 1942, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Anita June (Blackman) and George Edward Tillman who was working as a service station attendant when his son was born. Ed was the firstborn of their four children. He was raised in Caruthersville and Hayti, in the Missouri Bootheel. From his mother, he learned the love of God, music, and compassion for his fellow man. From his father, he learned how to work hard and how to be thorough. Ed was a fan of Johnny Cash from the first time he heard “Nearest Thing to Heaven.” He took inspiration from the world around him. From watching science fiction films (such as “The Thing From Another World”), he decided to become an engineer. From reading the adventures of the world-traveling detective Tin Tin, he decided he would visit Tibet one day. From the cowboy hero Gene Autry, he learned rules to live by, including: “Never shoot first, never hit a smaller man, and never take advantage.”

Ed attended Hayti High School and worked odd jobs starting at age 12, including working for his father’s grain business, sacking groceries at local stores, and picking cotton to support his interests at the time—which included model rockets, pinball, and girls. Ed possessed an aptitude for science and math, and his high school yearbook described him as “rocket minded.” He was valedictorian of his high school class.

After graduating in 1960, Ed attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, majoring in chemical engineering. A lifelong love story began on a blind date with Mary Jo Lerer, a Stephens College student from San Francisco. They married on May 31, 1962, and had four children. After several positions as a chemical engineer, Ed returned to school at age 27 to earn his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He then worked as an auditor for Exxon, eventually being promoted to President of Exxon’s copper mines in Chile, then to Vice President of Exxon Coal and Minerals. Ed’s career involved many moves for the family, which were gracefully orchestrated by Mary.

Upon retirement from Exxon in 1997, Ed and Mary bought a farm in Labadie, Missouri, allowing him to spend more time with his family, including his nine grandchildren who called him Papi. Ed had a particular soft spot in his heart for vulnerable children. During his life he was a volunteer in Big Brothers, Boy Scouts (President of Central Wyoming BSA), and CASA, a court advocacy program for children at risk.

Retirement enabled Ed to further pursue his lifelong loves: travel, photography, and astronomy. He and Mary (and sometimes a pair of grandchildren) traveled the world, spanning the seven continents and visiting more than 60 countries—including Shackleton’s grave near Antarctica. And yes, he did make it to Tibet. He chronicled his travels, family, and unique view of the world in an extensive photography collection.

In all things, Mary was Ed’s loving companion, his best friend, his confidant, and his co-adventurer. He never let a day pass without saying, “I love you, Mary Jo.” Time spent at home on their farm in Labadie, and with their family and dog, Don Diego, was as precious as any trip to a foreign land.

A private celebration of Ed’s life will be held at a later date. For those who wish to formally honor his memory, the family suggests contributions to Franklin County CASA, 301 East State Street, Union, MO 63084.