Clarence Ray Edwards, 78, of Mt. Vernon died at 1:20 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., after a short battle with Cancer.

He was a self employed Insurance Salesman for over forty years. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Elks # 819, a current member of Woodworker's Assoc., and an avid woodworker. He served his Country in the U. S. Army

Mr. Edwards was born, January 9, 1928 in Wamac, IL to Fred and Florence (Friess) Edwards.

He married Mary Ann (Straka) on Dec 20, 1947 in Chicago, IL; she survives in Mt. Vernon.

Private Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday February 1, at Newell Funeral Home Mt. Vernon. Shane Merritt will officiate.

Mr. Edwards is survived by spouse Mary Ann of Mt. Vernon, IL. Four daughters; Susan Edwards of Naperville, IL.; Gayle Skibinski, & husband Randy of Mt. Vernon, IL. Donna Overstreet & husband Clark of Mt. Vernon; Sandy Hooker & husband David of Elburn, IL. One brother; Lowell Edwards & wife Betty of Harrisburg, IL. Three sisters; Mary White of Centralia, IL. ;Pat Walker & husband Charles of Salem, IL.; Jeannie Mulvin & husband Mike of Centralia, IL. Four grandchildren; Michael Smith & wife Toby of Ft. Myers, Fl.; Stacey Jolliff & husband Brock of Centralia, IL.; Kelly Crosby & husband Sam of Fairmont, West Virginia; Colin Overstreet of Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter; Elaine Edwards Smith, one sister, and three brothers.

For those who wish, memorials may be given to the Heartland Assoc. for Woodmen of the World Youth Camp and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Newell Funeral Home, 2707 North Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: February 2006
Submitted by: Kiowana Hayes Ferguson

Submitted by: Janice Staples