Daniel Wilford Edmonds, Jr.

Daniel Wilford Edmonds, Jr., 78, of Ozark, Illinois, passed away at 3:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, surrounded by his family at the Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana after a brief battle with cancer.

Dan was born on July 22, 1946, to Daniel Sr. and Donna (Brown) Edmonds. He graduated from Flora Township High School in 1964. After attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for four years during the Vietnam War.

After his service, Dan worked for the Veterans’ Administration for 22 years until his retirement as a carpenter. He was also an avid bowler, often hitting the lanes up to four times a week. He was a fan of the Washington Nationals baseball team. His hobbies included bowling, fishing, horses and most importantly his grandchildren.

Dan was a member of several groups including the Coon Creek Ridge Riders, several bowling leagues, the Marion Elks Lodge, and the American Legion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a niece Lindsey West, a nephew Jeff Kingery, several aunts, uncles and cousins and a bonus grandson Dayne Harrison.

Dan is survived by his children Angela Edmonds (Mark Skivers) of Bloomington, Indiana, Felicia (Jason) Miller of Crestview, Florida and Anita Edmonds of Fredericksburg, Virginia; one sister, Mary (James) West of Flora, Illinois; one nephew, Rob West also of Flora; two grandchildren, Dustin Miller of Crestview, Florida and Sierra Miller of Valdosta, Georgia; two bonus grandsons Derek and Darrin Harrison of Enterprise, Illinois; bonus granddaughter Christina Loyd (Jairamy Loyd) of Herrin, Illinois; two great-nephews, several cousins and several special friends, including Judy Thomas.

It was Dan’s wish to be cremated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street in Marion, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor April Turner officiating. Full Military Honors will follow the service. Inurnment will take place at Mounds National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or DAV.org. Envelopes will be available at the service. Visit www.bluefuneralhome.com to leave your condolences online.