Obituary for SSgt Phillip Samuel Edwards

SSgt Phillip S. Edwards, Retired, 73, of Moulton, IA passed away Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, IA after a three year battle with lung cancer. Per Phillip''s wishes, his body has been cremated. There will be no services. Survivors include his wife Charlotte of Moulton; son Donnie Edwards of Moulton; daughter Shelley (David) Leo of Centerville; and adopted son, John Jones of Moulton. Phillip was a wonderful grandfather to four grandchildren, Jesse Walt, Cody Edwards, Clanci (Wes) Huff, and Murphy Ballanger; and to great grandchildren Phillip Jr., Hailey, Hanna, Wyatt, and Wyatt''s soon to be born brother, Tucker. Also surviving are brothers Ted Edwards of Cedar Rapids and Dave (Patty) Edwards of Moulton; sister Ruth (Richard) Bentzinger of Donnallson, IA; brother-in-law Eugene (Freda) Downing; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Phillip dearly loved his family and friends, especially his wife, children, and all his grandbabies. He was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Elsie; four brothers, Bill, Ronald, James (Bud), and Paul; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Daphne and Charlie Keller, Jean and Marvin Blazer; mother and father-in-law, Dorothy and Don Downing; and sister-in-law, Patsy Downing Baxter. Phillip Samuel Edwards was born January 16, 1936 in Moulton, IA to Otis and Elsie (Burgess) Edwards. Phillip served his country honorably in the United States Army Airborne for 20 years from 1957 until his retirement in 1977. Phillip married Charlotte Downing on April 21, 1961 in Moulton, IA. After his retirement with the Army, Phillip work for the railroad. Phillip was an avid fisherman and pool player. He was a member of the Appanoose County pool league for many years. Phillip was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorials to Hospice of Central Iowa in Phillip''s name.