Edward L. ""Ed"" Dever's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Edward L. Dever, age 83 of Charleston, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2015 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, July 3, 2015 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Food Pantry. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Ed was born on May 17, 1932 at the home of his grandmother in Neoga, IL. He was the only child born to the late George W. and Elsie L. (Coen) Dever. He married Carolyn M. Cox on August 23, 1953 in Charleston and for nearly 62 years they have shared a loving bond of friendship and marriage. In addition to Carolyn he is survived by their sons, William L. Dever and wife Pam of Gulfport, MS and James C. Dever and wife Nancy of Canton, IL; and 3 grandchildren, Dr. Jeanette M. Contreras and husband Nick of Pass Christian, MS and Samuel J. Dever and Matthew W. Dever, both of Henderson, NV. Ed was preceded in death by a son, Randy C. Dever. Ed was a 1950 graduate of Eastern State High School in Charleston where he played football. In March of 1952, Ed was inducted into the United States Air Force and was a part of the military stateside support during the Korean War. He honorably served until his discharge in November of 1953. In 1958 he graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors Degree and was a Pi Omega Pi Honorary Fraternity member. During his lifelong involvement with the family farm in Morgan Township, Ed also held other employment for 25 years. Many of those years were spent at USI in Tuscola, IL and at his alma mater, Eastern Illinois University as an accountant. He enjoyed being around people and was involved in several groups, clubs and organizations. He was a life member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M., and a member of the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623, Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, Mattoon American Legion Post #88, Coles County Farm Bureau and the E.I.U. Panther Club. Ed was a man of faith and a longtime member of the Walnut Grove Christian Church, and was currently attending Salisbury Church in Charleston. Ed was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed watching Illini basketball. His love for sports and his interest in helping develop young talent encouraged him to volunteer as a Little League coach. Ed's life was always centered round his family and he cultivated and nurtured many enduring friendships. Bill and Jim always felt the support and encouragement of a loving and caring father and Ed and Carolyn attended as many of the grandchildren's school activities as possible, even though the distance involved often made it difficult. Ed could recall with great fondness the many destinations that he and Carolyn were able to travel to and experience together. Playing Pinochle, Euchre and Phase10 with family members or friends was Ed's definition of a good time and the highlight of his day was a good conversation over a cup of coffee with friends at the South Side Café as well as the 10 o'clock coffee group at McDonalds. Ed was a man of integrity and good character. He was a true gentleman and his kindness and consideration for others earned him the respect of many. He will always be fondly remembered.Click to view Ed's memorial video.
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