Edwards, Bobby

Bobby D. Edwards, 76, of New Baden, died Friday, September 4, 2009 at Hazlet State park in Carlyle. He was born January 28, 1933 in Potts Camp, MS son of James Lance and Susan Dale (Harrison) Edwards. He married Deloris E. "Mutz" Huelskoetter in New Baden on December 20, 1952 and she preceded him in death on May 11, 2007. He is survived by two sons, Dale A. "Doc" Edwards of New Baden and Mike W. (Vicki) Edwards of Centralia; grandchildren, Kevin (special friend, Hailey) Edwards, Jeremy (Brandee) Edwards, Jessica Edwards, Allison Edwards, Tiffany (Robert) Sommers, Shannon Shelley, and Alisa Rogers; great grandchildren, Ethan Edwards, Tyler Edwards, Grayson Shelley and Kennedy Bennett; two brothers, Larry Edwards of Potts Camp, MS, and Jerry (Donna) Edwards of Aurora; former daughter-in-law, Julie Edwards of New Baden; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sarah Edwards of Potts Camp, MS, Leona "Eb" and Norman "Ponch" Determan, LaVerne "Worney" and Don Laux and Darlene and Howard Boston all of New Baden; an aunt Donna Maritt of Potts Camp, MS; and a special friend, Shirley Warren of Swansea. In addition to his wife and his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Edwards; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Adelia (Krausz) Huelskoetter and a sister-in-law, Melva Friederich. Mr. Edwards worked at A O Smith in Granite City, and then was an independent trucker. After his retirement he was a camp ground host at Hazlet State Park and Coles Creek at Carlyle Lake. His hobbies included fishing and woodworking. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden and the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. noon, on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden with Rev. Gretchen Sterrett officiating. Friends may call at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ or to the American Heart Association and will be received at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden who is in charge of services.