Arthur Edwards
Arthur Edwards of Marietta died at home July 14, 2013. He was born February 27, 1921 to Michael and Ada Alexander Edwards in Newport, Ohio. He attended Newport Public Schools and later Marietta College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in June 1942. He served with the 3705th Army Air Force until Oct. 1945. He returned to Marietta College for graduation in 1946. He was a member of the ATO Fraternity. The next two years, he attended Law College at The Ohio State University.
He joined the B.F. Goodrich Co. in 1948 and was employed with them until 1959. He was associated with The Fenton Art Glass Co. until his retirement in March 1983.
He married Mary Sue Umpleby Nov. 1948. She died Sept. 1963. Surviving are three children; Stephen (Sandy) Edwards, Susan Armstrong (David), and Nancy Brum (Jack), one grandson Matthew Armstrong, great grandson Porter Armstrong and a niece Sherrie Doran.
June 1966 he married Jeanne Hall Strecker. Three children survive in addition to the Edwards children listed above. They are Charles Strecker (Cassie), Joanne Lincoln (Sam), Daniel Strecker (Dana). Surviving grandchildren are Lydia Detamore Carpenter, Cassandra Stormer, Isaac Strecker, Shaunna Dobbs, Jacqui Lincoln, Jaymie Strecker and Ben Strecker. Surviving great grandchildren are Joseph and Abigail Detamore, Samuel Stormer, Sarah, Caitlyn, Luke and John Strecker and Ethan and Katie Dobbs.
Arthur was a member of the Newport Baptist Church until 1948, the Williamstown Methodist Church until 1966 and Christ United Methodist Church. He served as Lay Minister of Visitation at Christ United from 1983 until 1997 and was a weekly visitor to area nursing homes and the Woman's Home. Also, he was a Lay Speaker. He served as choir member, Sunday School teacher and on various committees of the churches he attended.
He was a member of the Marietta Kiwanis Club and served as Club President and Lt. Gov. for Division 18. He served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for 25 years. He was Chairman of the Greater Marietta United Way and served on the board of the Caring Connection. Arthur served on the first board for the "Castle" and served as a docent. He was a tutor for Adult Basic Education. He and Jeanne were instrumental in establishing Meals on Wheels and made deliveries for many years. Arthur enjoyed music. He often sang bass solos in church and sang in the River Bend Chorus and Barbershop Quartet. During Marietta's Bicentennial events, Art was the town crier. Over the years, the community recognized Art's service and leadership. He was honored with the Civitan Citizen of the Year Award, the Marietta Jaycees Gabe Zide Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, and the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.
He was preceded in death by his parents, older brothers Glenn, Carl, Ford and sister Hope Bickel.
Art will be remembered as a caring and loving husband and father with a strong and active community conscience. The family is grateful for the care and support provided by Amedisys Hospice Care and Lois' girls, especially Wanda, Pam, Sandy, and Molly.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Caring Connection, 411 Scammel Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750, O'Neill Senior Center, 333 Fourth St., Marietta, Ohio 45750 or a charity of choice.
Funeral services will be held on Friday (July 19) at 11:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church with Reverend Don Archer officiating. Private burial services will be held. The family will greet friends at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 and at the church one hour before the service. Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.lankfordfh.com.