Celebrating the Homegoing of

William (Ed) Henry Edwards Jr

– Sunrise: November 30, 1940 – Sunset: September 14, 2014 –

William Henry Edwards Jr, known as “Ed” to family, friends and many, born to William Henry and Inez Lois Edwards on November 30, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri. Both parents preceded him in death.

Ed was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools; although he was a single child, Ed enjoyed a very active and privileged life. He was known as a dapper dresser and all-around athlete during his years at Soldan High School, excelling in football, track and field, baseball, tennis and swimming. His mother Inez insisted inclusion of tennis and swimming in Ed’s sports repertoire as she felt these sports would expose Ed to “other cultures and experiences” beyond what Black teens would normally experience.

Ed joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church during his youth and attended Wayman AME Church.

Ed was very active in the Boy Scouts during his youth. As an adult in the role of Scoutmaster, it was something he cherished all of his life. Ed was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and biking, any activities outdoors including riding his horse Ginger. Ed enjoyed fishing and scuba diving in tropical locales such as the Caribbean and Hawaii. He enjoyed muscle cars and loved his motorcycle.

Ed met Sylvia Ann Bracey during his high school years. They dated and were married in February of 1961. To this union were born Rodney Dominic, Jill Nanette, Todd Reginald and Stephanie Lynette. Their marriage lasted until the Mid-1970’s. Ed had two additional sons, Damon Alexis Tolen born May 1975 and Darian Houston Edwards in January 1979.

Ed met Ernestine Boyd during the Mid-1980’s, they dated and married in 2005. Steen, as he affectionately called her, preceded his death in 2008.

Ed enjoyed work and believed in education. He attended St. Louis University and went through the Carpenters Union apprenticeship program, becoming a journeyman carpenter.

His carpentry skills were stellar and were put to use when he became a Building Trades instructor with Construction Manpower, a program through S.L.A.T.E. in St. Louis which provided trainees with the skills needed to secure employment or further their education in the construction industry.

Ed is survived by his children: Rodney, Jill (French), Todd, Stephanie, Darian and Damon Tolen. He is survived by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In mourning he leaves fiancé and companion Greta Clavelle and close longtime friends John and Dr. Christine Midkiff along with their children Lindsey and Alexis. There are more family and friends in mourning, too numerous to mention but your thoughts, love & prayers are cherished by Ed’s family…Peace Be With You!