Gilbert Edwards

OLMSTED, Ill. -- Gilbert Owen Edwards, 83, of Olmsted died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill.

He was born Oct. 6, 1923, at Villa Ridge, Ill., son of Charles Owen and Jacoba Knupp Edwards. He and Rose Edith Brashear were married March 21, 1947, in Olmsted.

Edwards was a 1942 graduate of Mound City High School. He was a retired diesel mechanic and had worked at Bishop Burd Trucking and Donald Jordan Trucking Co.

He was a charter member of Caledonia Community Church and had served as trustee and treasurer. He was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Villa Ridge and Union Local 318 IUOE. He was a past member of Meridian School Board and past board member of the village of Olmsted.

He was a combat engineer with the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, the Rev. Gene Edwards of Mountain Grove, Mo., Bob Edwards of Olmsted; a brother, Charles Edwards of Villa Ridge; a sister, Mary Schweiger of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Caledonia Community Church, and Friday from 8 a.m. until time of service.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Revs. John Windings, Gene Edwards and Verlee Eaker officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge.

Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge is in charge of arrangements.