Obituary of Kenneth R. Edwards
Kenneth R. Edwards, age 95 of Youngstown died Wednesday November 22, 2017 in the Northgate Health Care Facility in the Town of Wheatfield after a short illness.
Ken was born May 7, 1922 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Kenneth W. and Helen (Grome) Edwards and has been a resident of Youngstown since 1972. He worked at the former Certain-Teed Co. before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 16, 1942. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on January 25, 1946. Ken had participated in the invasion of Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands with the 4th Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Corps, 15th Defense Battalion. He later served with the 12th Motor Transport and did a tour with the Occupation of Japan. He was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with one Battle Star, the Occupation of Japan, Victory, American Campaign and Good Conduct Ribbons.
Ken was a Sign Painter employed by General Advertisers Service for 18 years. He then worked as a painter for the former Naval Air Station in Niagara Falls. As a member of the Marine Air Reserve, he served in the Air Intelligence Section. He also worked as a Graphics Illustrator with the 4621st Air Support Group Civilian Air Force. Ken then joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a member of the 914th Tactical Airlift Group serving as a Graphics Specialist. He retired on May 7, 1982 as a Tech Sergeant after a combined military career of 24 years both with the Marines and Air Force Reserves. He continued to work as a sign painter retiring in June 1987 from the Niagara State Parks and Recreation Commission.
He was a life member of Lake Ontario V.F.W. Post 313 Youngstown for over 50 years. He served as past Commander. Ken was a life member of the V.F.W. National Home in Eaton Rapids, MI; Erie Canal Chapter 40, 4th Marine Division Association; a communicant of St. Bernard's RC Church in Youngstown. He was an avid bowler and artist.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Leah (Wilkesmore) Edwards and is survived by five step daughters, Daneen (Robert) Muehlbauer of Niagara Falls, NY, Constance (Donald) Martin of Youngstown, Betty Jo (Richard) Profeta of Lewiston, Terry Smith of Newfane, and Lori (Wayne) Gordon of Ft. Mill, SC, 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Harold Edwards and a granddaughter, Patricia Forget.
Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Monday from 3 - 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 28, at 10:00 AM in St. Bernard's RC Church, Hinman & Second Sts., Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Bernard's RC Cemetery, Oak St. Youngstown. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lake Ontario V.F.W. Post # 313, 434 Third St., Youngstown, NY 14174.