Samuel Edinger

Edinger, Samuel Calvin

Samuel Calvin Edinger, passed away on February 9, 2012 in Whittier, California at 95 years of age in the Rose House Hospice of Presbyterian Hospital of Whittier. He was lovingly cared for by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Jim Flournoy for several years until a few weeks before his death, in the house he built in South San Gabriel (Rosemead). Cal was born in Van Nuys, California on December 1, 1916. Mr. Edinger was born to Paul Frederick Edinger and Julia Augusta Halling (both of Iowa) and grew up in Monrovia and Sanger, California. Cal graduated from Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School and Pasadena City College. He received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master's Degree from Cal State Los Angeles. He met Ruth Esther Hundley at Quaker Meadow camp during World War II and they were married on October 5, 1944 at First Friends Church of Whittier. He taught special education in Los Angeles City Schools and in the Alhambra City School District (Century High School). He spent many years at La Casa Community Center in San Gabriel helping young people obtain their GEDs. His dedication to youth finished with a long period of volunteer service to Pacific Ackworth Pre-school in Temple City.
Mr. Edinger was born into a Methodist tradition, but was a long-time member of Whitleaf Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quaker). Cal performed his alternative service as a conscientious objector during World War II, undergoing sleep deprivation experiments and performing drafting and firefighting tasks for the U.S. Forest Service in Glendora, California. He was active as a volunteer with and supporter of a number of Friends (Quaker) organizations such as the American Friends Service Committee, Pacific Yearly Meeting of Friends, Friends Committee on Legislation of California as well as the Fellowship of Reconciliation. He enjoyed taking month-long camping trips with his family, visiting Big Sur and World Fairs throughout the United States and Canada. Cal was a huge fan of railroads, knowing their histories and schedules. He helped build five homes; two in Monrovia and three in South San Gabriel, the latter full of light and natural materials. Cal and his father-in-law, Henry Felix Hundley, worked together to build many cabinets and interior furnishings.
Cal visited prisoners at Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution for many years, following the Bible's directive to "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them who suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." (Hebrews 13:3). Cal contributed in large and small ways to many people's lives, of which we will never know the full extent. "If you greet only your brothers, what is there extraordinary about that? Even the heathen do as much. There must be no limit to your goodness, as your heavenly Father's goodness knows no bounds." (Matthew 5:47-48).
Samuel Calvin Edinger is survived by: his brother Dr. James Gilbert Edinger of Big Sur, California; son Dr. Paul Frederick Edinger and wife Nancy Elaine (Allen) Edinger of Hartsville, South Carolina; son David Howard Edinger and wife Virginia Francesca Matera of Richmond, Indiana; daughter Linda Ann (Edinger) Flournoy and husband James Irvine Flournoy of Rosemead, California; and daughter Dr. Susan Edinger Marshall and husband Gerald Jay Marshall of Blue Lake, California. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kathleen Ann (LaFramboise) Goodman (Dan Goodman), Paul Allen Edinger (Kelly Douglass), Kerensa Ruth Edinger, Kevin Douglas Flournoy (Carrie Skulley), April Elaine (Edinger) Adams (Tristan Adams), Mary Alise Edinger, Elizabeth June Marshall and Nancy Jessamyn Marshall. He is survived by one great granddaughter, Piper Annabelle Edinger.
Samuel Calvin Edinger was preceded in death by wife Ruth Esther (Hundley) Edinger (d. 2004), father Paul Frederick Edinger (d. 1955), mother Julia Augusta (Halling) Edinger (d. 1967), brother Paul Frederick Edinger, Jr. (d. 1937) and brother David Halling Edinger (d. 1941).
According to his wishes, his cremated remains will be scattered with those of his wife of 89 years at a future date. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life on June 10 at a location to be determined. To honor his memory, the family asks you to do as Cal did; plant a tree to honor a loved one, donate to your favorite charity, and love thy neighbor as thyself.