Richard Crowell Edwards

Richard Crowell Edwards, Colonel, USA (Ret.), formerly of Blacksburg, Va., died on June 22, 2010, in Rockport Texas, where he and his wife, Susan, resided since 2006. Burial will be held 3 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2010, at The National Cemetery, Fort Meyer, Va. Col. Edwards was born to Walcott and Marion Edwards, in Weymouth, Mass., on November 6, 1937. He graduated from Weymouth High School and Thayer Academy, prior to attending Norwich University in Vermont. After graduating from Norwich in 1960 he entered active duty in the United States Army. He served his country for 30 years, retiring in 1990. Key assignments in the U.S. Army include one tour of duty in Vietnam, commander of 1st Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany; Commander of 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; Chief of Staff of the 2d Armored Division; Commandant of the Sergeants Major Academy; and his last assignment was Chief, European Division, J-5, Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. He was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. He received a Masters degree from Kansas State University. His second career was with Dynamics Research Corporation in Andover, Mass., as a defense contractor. In addition to his wife of 46 years, Susan; he leaves three sons, Robert (Jenny), Andrew, and Richard (Sally); and grandchildren, Taylor, Emma and Caroline. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association.