Edward Edwards Obituary

Brevard-Edward Matthew Edwards, 89, of Brevard, NC and San Ramon, CA died on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Ed was born in Chicago, Il to the late Paul LaVerne and Eva Milward Edwards. He graduated from High School in Downers Grove, IL, attended Ripon College and received a BS degree in Industrial Administration from the University of Illinois. During WWII, Edward enlisted in the US Coast Guard and participated in the invasion of Normandy. He served with the National Guard after the war in the US Army. He had a successful career in sales and marketing with Owens-Illinois Glass and Libby Glass Companies. Following retirement, he served as an adjunct faculty member at Lourdes College in Sylvania, OH, teaching marketing, was employed part time as a realtor, and served as a business consultant before relocating to Brevard, NC. Edward is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lynette Yakley Edwards; sons, Dean P. Edwards of Houston, TX, Dyke F. Edwards of San Ramon, CA; daughter, Elizabeth Cowart and husband Joseph of Evans, GA; grandchildren, Tara Edwards, Christopher Douglas, Emily Douglas Parrish, Daniel Douglas, Matthew Edwards; and six great grandchildren. Ed's love of sports began with his father teaching him to fish and hunt. He played football in high school. His lists of sports is long: baseball, golf, tennis, squash, handball, cycling, sailboat racing, deep sea and river fishing, hiking, swimming, boxing, and cross country skiing. At age 60 he obtained a pilots license. Ed gave freely of his time and expertise in sports. He worked with his children's athletic programs from teaching basic skills to being on a committee to build a better swimming pool or improve an athletic program. Later in life he developed a Master's Swim Team and was a Assistant High School Swim Coach. A massive stroke in 1960 did not impede his active life. For 21 years his faith in God and strong body maintained his independence despite his paralysis. Ed was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sylvania, OH and later of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC. A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 10am with Father Carl Del Giudice officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date in Chicago, IL. Special thanks to the staff of Victoria's Guest House in San Roman, CA for the loving care given to Edward during his final stage of life, especially Victoria Fortes, R. N. and caregivers Amy and Prisco (Joe) Fortes. There are no hinder hearts or gentler hands. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 100 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard, NC 28712 or to Hospice of Transylvania County, 1266 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 8712. To leave a condolence for the Edwards family, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com. Moore Funeral Home is caring for the family.