Edgar Howell Edmisten passed away in the presence of his loving family on Feb. 27, 2017, one day before his 94th birthday, in Circleville.
Born on Feb. 28, 1923, to Dwight and Nannie Edmisten, he was raised on a farm in Watagua County, North Carolina, where he learned how to grow food and tend animals, as well as the value of hard work.
A World War II veteran, Ed answered the call of Uncle Sam on April 15, 1941, and served honorably in the Navy until he retired as a Lieutenant Commander on May 1, 1971.
He was committed to his country, and he was committed to his wife, Mary Lee, whom he married on Sept. 9, 1943, and they shared 73 wonderful years together.
After retiring from the Navy, Ed was able to focus on another one of his passions … his 168-acre property in West Virginia. He tended the land for 40 years, including a five-acre garden (and he’s been known to plant 350 tomato plants for the tomato juice he loved!), cattle and wooded land.
Ed was also a dedicated and protective father, whether it was providing food for his family, playing his guitar while singing gospel music or dancing to the Tennessee Waltz with his daughter on his feet.
Ed was a man who loved his country and his family above all else.
He will be missed dearly by his wife, Mary Lee (Shull) Edmisten; as well as his children, Terry (Danise) Edmisten, Wayne (Jitra) Edmisten and Donna (Jim) Spencer. Also left to mourn are his grandchildren, Cliff (Heather) Edmisten, Sarah (Justin) Shipper and David (Sarah) Spencer; as well as five great-grandchildren (with another arriving in June!).
A funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Defenbaugh-Wise-Schoedinger funeral home, 151 E. Main St., Circleville. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon, and Pastor Aaron Jones officiated the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Fellowship, 108 Kildare Dr., Sebastian, FL 32958.
Visit www.schoedinger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
