Maurice “Gene” Edwards

Maurice "Gene" Edwards, 76, of Pontoon Beach, formerly of Gillespie, IL, passed away on July 4, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his family.   He was born in Staunton, IL on September 23, 1932 to Luman Elmer and Verna Leona (Gardner) Edwards.  Gene was a route salesman for Wonder Bread for 30 plus years, retiring in 1990.

He served in the U.S. Navy and was a past American Legion commander of Edwardsville Post 199 and Collinsville 365.  He was an avid golfer and also enjoyed fishing and bowling.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Gilbert, Almont and Don Edwards; a sister Doris Johnson; a sister in infancy and a son Ed Sommers.

He is survived by his wife, Karen (Kincheloe) Edwards of Pontoon Beach, IL; two daughters; Karen (Jim) Kelly of Benld, IL;  Ronda (Marc) Vanderweele of Holiday Shores, IL; Tom (Denice) Edwards of Quincy, Chuck Edwards of Highland, IL; Mike (Shirley) Edwards;  Rob (Marcia) Edwards and Jim Edwards all of Benld, IL; 17 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, a brother, Edsel(Marie)Edwards of Springfield, IL; a sister-in-law, Beverly Edwards of Gillespie, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES:  will be held at Gillespie City Cemetery, Gillespie, IL at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 with Full Military Honors, followed by a "Celebration of Life" luncheon at Benld Civic Center, Benld, IL from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m.

MEMORIALS:  May be offered to Heartland Hospice of Fairview Heights, IL.

MERIDITH FUNERAL HOME, P.C.  HIGHLAND, IL