A. Thomas Edwards, 83, of Troy, Ill., born Sept. 12, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo., died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Ill.

Tom and his family moved to Alton, Ill., in the early 1940's and later to Collinsville, Ill. He retired from the Triad School District in 1988 having worked at the Molden School as custodian. He had worked for the city of Troy, served as a volunteer firefighter and was an avid Cardinals fan. Tom was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, being drafted out of high school between his junior and senior years. He served on three hospital ships, U.S. Rensler, U.S. Republic and the Louis Milne, crossing the Pacific three times returning injured servicemen to the States for treatment. He was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, having served on the church council and several committees.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Thomas and Ethel Janice, nee Savin, Edwards; and a brother, Robert Edwards.

Surviving are his wife, Wilma, nee Schurman, Edwards whom he married on May 14, 1949; a daughter, Linda (Bill) Ingersoll of Troy; a grandson, Brian (Megan) Ingersoll of Edwardsville; sister-in-law, Margene Edwards of Highland; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial may be made to Friedens United Church of Christ.

Friends may call from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at Friedens United Church of Christ, Troy, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at Friedens United Church of Christ, with Rev. Gerry Proctor officiating. Interment will be at Friedens Cemetery, Troy, Ill.

LAUGHLIN-RICHESON
FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.