Steve Edwards

Steve A. Edwards, 62, of Rushville, passed away at 10:34 PM, Friday, August 5, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born on February 16, 1954, in Beardstown, Illinois.  On March 20, 1971, he married Diane Fischer at the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, Missouri, and she survives.

Also surviving are his two children Dr. Amy High and her husband Dr. Eric High of Riverton, and Adam Edwards of Rushville, six grandchildren Ryan High, Fischer Reed, Jack Prather, Olivia High, Graham Edwards and Caleb Edwards, his father Robert “Bob” Edwards of Rushville, his brothers and sisters Joe Edwards and wife Vickie of Frederick, Terrie Loughary and husband Mike of Beardstown, Susan Crook of Rushville and Martin Edwards and wife Shari of Rushville, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his stepmother Bernita Edwards, and one sister Tresa Bender.

He owned Steve Edwards Shop in Beardstown, for over 40 years.  He was also a lifelong welder.  He restored antique cars and was a collector of antique Ford tractors.  He also held a private pilot license and enjoyed flying his ultralight plane. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.  Steve was a tinkerer and had a great knowledge of how things worked.  He was a perfectionist and knew how to fix just about anything and to fix it right.  One of his quotes was “There is no such thing as a five minute job.”  Steve was also a man of few words.  A longtime family friend commented “If Steve was talking, you better be listening, because you can learn something.”  He was looked upon by many as a mentor and father-like figure.  His greatest joy was his family and being “Papa” to his grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611.