Charles Stanley Edwards

Charles Stanley Edwards, passed away early Friday morning, April 3rd, 2020, in the comfort of his home in Aurora, Colorado- with family by his side. Ironically, he was born a Friday morning, April 28th, 1933, to the loving parents, Herbert and Gladys Edwards in the town of Peoria, Illinois. This month, marked his 87th year of what he considered “an extraordinary and most fulfilling life, one to be proud of for sure.” Charlie was ‘the baby’ for he joined the family a little bit later than his three siblings- brothers Oscar and Robert and of course his beloved sister Betty, who was the last to precede his death.

Chuck is survived by the love of his life, Ellora, married 59 years ago on June 4th, 1961. Together they have three children, Pam, Scott, and Kevin. Pam is married to Patrick Schwarz, they reside in Aurora, Colorado, and together they have three children, Sarah, Tyler, and Brett. Sarah is married to Kyle Poindexter, and together they have two children, Austin and Payton- but forever known as Pip. Scott currently resides in Boulder, Colorado with his brother Kevin. Together with Karen, they brought two more sons to the family, Derrick and Travis.

Charles- Charlie- Chuck- Dad- Grandpa or Gpa, however you knew him, will be forever loved, adored, and greatly missed by his entire family – nieces, nephews and cousins alike, and of course, all the extended family, great friends, and neighbors as well. One of his favorite quotes- “It’s not about the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.”–Branch Rickey- Often and most recently, he spoke of how proud and fortuate he was to have such a wonderful family heritage. The annual family reunions were extra special in his heart, as we gathered our family for a grand day of fun. A long time family tradition was to fly our model airplanes – there were new ones and old ones, big ones and bold ones, but most were rebuilt ones, as many a stunt went bad. We cut fingers on props and made fun of our flops, as we told stories and jokes and laughed til we choked. Year after year, we watched as we grew and shared what we knew, and always to celebrate, for the ones that we lost.

From an early age, he had natural athletic abilities with a passionate love and competitive spirit for anything sporting. From fishing to golf from horseshoes to pool, he loved it all, but it was swimming where he made his biggest mark. The 150 yd individual medley was the most challenging, and of course, his favorite event, where you had to swim each stroke. Swimming for Peoria Central High in 1951 at the State Championships – Charles Edwards crushed the state record, taking Gold in the 150 yd ind medley and Bronze in the 100 yd Breast-stroke, another very difficult event. Moving on to college, he continued to set records at Purdue University, IND, and won All- American recognition. After two years, he transferred to the University of Kansas, where he joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and not only assisted with coaching, but was credited for attracting several other good swimmers to the University. Setting the bar high, at Kansas as well, he held records for the 50, 100, and 200- yard freestyle, and of course, set the new record for the 150 yd ind medley, that still holds today.

Through the University of Kansas, he received his Teaching Degree and was enrolled in the Navy-ROTC program as a Midshipman, and upon graduation in 1957, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant – Infantry and recognized as an expert marksman with both- rifle and pistol. Eventually stationed in Okinawa, where he loved to share stories and spoke of his new found love of the ocean and scuba diving its beautiful reefs. He would finally retired his commission as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, just prior to the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

His next big adventure would be with the love of his life, Lora, as he called her, married just six months from their first date- and soon to take on their biggest challenge yet, raising a family of three kids. They did it well though, she a Registered Nurse for the Peoria Health Department, and he became the 8th grade science teacher for Sterling Grade School. In addition to thirty years of teaching and substitute principal, he was also the most successful swim coach for the Warriors of Woodruff High School, for which he thoroughly enjoyed being able to inspire many young swimmers, with all his experiences and love of the sport.

In the summer of 1977, and with some reservation, they made a major change and moved to the country to have space to breath and land to dwell. Six acres, nestled in farmland, outside the small community of Brimfield, IL – twenty miles west of their longtime home, in Peoria. There were hard times and turmoils with blood, sweat, and tears. But with the help of great neighbors and family as well, they made it there own, a wonderful place that we called home. Gardens of fresh vegetables were plenty, strawberries & blueberries & rhubarb too. We had chickens and sheep and lost lots of sleep, and for a few years, they even raised ostriches – and oh how the stories they told. So many fond memories with all of his grandchildren. He treasured every moment he spent fishing with his sons and grandsons alike, so many great stories, but he got a special kind of kick from little Austi, riding around on his John Deere lawnmower. His love of teaching came through in every aspect of his life and eventually he brought his wisdom and humor to the students of Brimfield and Elmwood. Substituting whenever he had the chance, he enjoyed every minute of it, and its been said, that one his students will always remember how he loved to show his flexibility, as he could bend straight over and still touch his toes.

Being a top athlete himself, he had such respect and appreciation for athletes in any sport, but his favorites were Hockey, Baseball, and Golf, and certainly Olympic Swimming. He became a huge Avalanche fan and in 2001, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, we surprised them with a trip to Blackhawk and we watched game 7 from the hotel room and celebrated to know end when the Av’s won the Stanley Cup. He loved his Cardinals, but he loved the Rockies too, and last Sept we got great seats on the 3rd baseline so he could see his favorite player- Nolan Arenado. Rockies lost to the Cardinals, but we had such a great time! There were so many golf stories to tell as well, we were just hacks, having fun and losing balls. His wish to come back as- was a professional golfer- he relished the thought of traveling the world to play the most beautiful courses with the best equipment- and get paid- “what could be better”

Charles Edwards was one tough Marine, enduring prostate cancer and open heart surgery, he even shattered the head of his femur bone at the hip joint, which restricted his mobility, but never his spirit. In 2018, he watched his Granddaughter get married, shortly after that, he got to travel with other Veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC and to tour the War Memorials. I know it was very meaningful for him and he was so grateful to his nephew Jerry for being there as his escort and to share the experience with family. And closing out this busy year in December, it brought great sadness to us all, as he said his last goodbyes to his home he dearly loved. But he was just as happy and excited to finally be here close to his family and loved ones at his daughter’s home in Aurora, Colorado.

He enjoyed a good Scotch – Black Label for sure, Gin & Tonic was his go to- oh so many stories we will still tell, and he loved the cracked peanuts with his Budweiser beer. Family and fun was everything to him and he thoroughly enjoyed it all. From the late night boardgames and card games as well, and to all the water parks when the kids were still small. He had a special zest for life that brought laughter to us all, with so many years of memories, we will forever recall…

Charles S. Edwards will be buried in his Marine Uniform on April 13th, 2020, at the Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236

Full Military Honor Services will be postponed until further notice