William A. Edens Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Columbia, Missouri

William Edens became a college graduate, an Army lieutenant and a newlywed, all in the space of four months. When he went to Iraq, his wife, Christina, was finishing medical school. "I'm sure that leaving her was one of the hardest things he'd ever done," said 1st Lt. Joshua Grenard, a classmate. Edens, 29, of Columbia, Mo., was among four soldiers killed April 28 by a roadside bomb in Tal Afar. He was based at Fort Lewis. Edens worked for a while after high school before going to a community college, where he became student body president. At the University of Missouri-Columbia, he studied Russian and military history and led his ROTC team to two back-to-back regional championships in the annual Ranger Challenge. Edens had a dimpled smile and was known for keeping his college classes in stitches, including with an Arnold Schwarzenegger impression. "I'm looking through old pictures, and he's always front and center with the biggest smile, hamming it up," said longtime friend Chris Luppen. "He was just well-loved by everybody."

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4am and I just woke up dreaming about this day. Never forgotten brother.

Brian Dolan

January 29, 2021 | Served In Military Together

I think of you often and it is hard to believe 10 years have passed since you left this world. You were one of the nicest, kindest, sweetest and funniest guys. You are missed by so many my friend. Till we see you again!

kim herndon

May 25, 2015 | St.Louis, MO

Today, I came across this web page. I am sorry to read of the loss of Will. He will never be forgotten.

September 08, 2013

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. William A. Edens:
Always remembering William. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

May 12, 2012 | Carson City, NV

Today marks the day we lost a brother in arms and a great man. RIP

chris hennessy

April 28, 2012

Been thinking a lot about you lately, my old friend. Replaying happy, hilarious, crazy times in my head over and over. Wondering where you'd be today if you hadn't gone so soon. I love you always and miss you every day.

Laury Woodruff

September 10, 2011 | Saint Louis, MO

I walked in the "Run/Walk for the Fallen" today in Osage Beach, MO. I was honered to be selected to walk in memory of 1st Lt. William A. Edens. He will be remembered by me forever and I hope to be able to walk in his honor/memory every year at this event. He is a true hero. I did not have the pleasure of knowing him but, he will be in my heart and mind forever. My prayers are with you and your family. As I read all the things his family and friends have said I can see I was blessed to...

August 20, 2011

Today the sacrifice Wil and all other of his other brothers in arms were vindicated today. Thank you for all you did to help protect this country, I will miss you always

Justin Sims

May 02, 2011 | St Louis, MO

Well today it has been 6 six years since I got that call that you were gone. I hoped the pain from not having you would dull with time but it has not. I think of all of our childhood years and smile I wish that I had you to talk to when things are crazy. Everyone misses you so much and wonders what life would be with you around. Would you have children yet? Would be in Missouri or somewhere else. I know that someday I will see you again and that is one of the only things that makes this...

Nikki Edens

April 28, 2011 | St. Louis, MO

1st Lt. William A. Edens

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