Billy L. Edwards

Billy L. “Bill” Edwards MARION-Billy L. (Bill) Edwards, 81, of Marion went to be with his Lord Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 8:00 PM at the Heartland Regional Hospital after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. Bill was of Baptist faith and prior to his passing, he was the longest living member of Third Baptist Church of Marion where he taught Sunday School. His faith sustained him throughout his illness. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 8, 2007 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend David Hancock and Reverend Larry Shacklee officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be conducted at 7:00 PM, Wednesday evening by Marion Masonic Lodge 89 AF & AM. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by Marion VFW Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Bill was born on April 01, 1925 in Thompsonville, Illinois to Lloyd and Lelia (Clark) Edwards. He attended elementary school in Marion, as well as New Hope School near Galatia. He attended high school in Galatia and Marion Township High School. On September 11, 1943, Bill was united in marriage with the love of his life, Marjorie Riegel of Galatia and together they have shared over 63 years of marriage. Two children were born to Bill and Marjorie, their daughter, Cheryl, and their son, Jerry. In December 1943 he was called to the service of his country by the Army Air Force where he served until 1945. After returning home, Bill was a partner with his father in the bulk gasoline distributorship for D-X Oil Company and serviced many service stations in the Marion and surrounding area. He also managed the Droit store in Thompsonville in 1948 and 1949. He returned to Marion in 1950 and has been a resident since that time. He helped to start Edwards Trailer Sales and Edwards Mobile Home Park as well as the Egyptian Ceramic Shop. In 1959, after his father’s death, he became the second generation owner of a four generation business in Marion which is now Edwards-Etherton Oil Co., Inc. In 1975 he retired from the oil business and enjoyed many wonderful years of retirement. He attended Real Estate School at John A. Logan Community College and sold real estate for a period of time. Bill was a member of many organizations. He was a Master Mason since 1949 and belonged to Marion Lodge 89 and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Sword of Bunker Hill. He loved to travel with Marjorie in their motor home and they were members of the Lincoln Landers Motor Home Club as well as the Shawnee Champs Motor Home Club where many lifelong friends were made. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and two younger brothers, Bob Edwards and Jack Edwards. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Marion, daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Frank (Chip) Haunschild of Phoenix, Arizona, son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Sherry Edwards of Marion. Grandchildren Jay and wife Jennifer Haunschild of Las Vegas, Nevada, Valerie Haunschild and fiancé Bryan Lutz of Phoenix, Ryan Haunschild and fiancé Crystal Slayden of Omaha, Nebraska, Mark Edwards of Marion, Andrew Edwards and wife Keri of Marion, five great-grandchildren, Rachel and Tyler Haunschild of Las Vegas, Alexis Edwards, Jacob Edwards and Joshua Edwards, all of Marion. Sister-in-laws Imogene Edwards and Brenda Edwards, both of Marion, brother-in-law, Regnald Riegel and wife Mildred of Harrisburg, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family was very important to Pop (as he was called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren) and he will be sadly missed by all. During his declining health, he made many sweet friends at the VA Hospital, DaVita Dialysis Center, Heartland Regional Hospital, and Parkway Manor where he was known by many as “the candy man” for sharing his love and appreciation of their care for him.