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Frank Edwards Obituary
Springfield, IL—Frank E. Edwards, 69, of Springfield passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. He was born on September 16, 1950 in Springfield to Francis and Berniece M. (Hashman) Edwards. He married Cinda J. Janssen on January 15, 1983.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Melvin Rich.
Frank is survived by one son, Alex Edwards of Springfield; one sister, Judy Rich of Springfield; two nieces, Nancianne (Mark) Knipfer of Lake Forest, IL, Sheri (Douglas) Iwanicki of Springfield and four great nieces and nephews, Julia and Abby Knipfer and Madi and Gabe Iwanicki and one uncle, Kenneth Hashman.
Frank was a lifelong resident of Springfield and achieved many accomplishments throughout his life. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1968 and received his teaching degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1974.
Frank began his career at the Springfield Fire Department in 1977 and retired in 2002, spending his final 19 months serving as Chief. He was elected and proudly served as Ward 1 Alderman for the City of Springfield from 2003-2015; during which he also served as Interim-Mayor from December 2010 to April 2011. He proudly served in the Illinois National Guard from 1969-1975.
Frank was a longtime member of the Sangamon County Republicans and Island Bay Yacht Club. He enjoyed flying, was a commercial pilot and a pilot instructor. Frank and his wife, Cinda, owned and operated Springfield Auto Body and Towing since 2005. Frank enjoyed boating, traveling and most importantly, spending time with his family and their beloved doodle, Lily, as well as their rescue dog, Nicky. He will be deeply missed.
Memorial Gathering: 3-8 pm, Monday, February 3, 2020 at West Side Christian Church - Springfield.
Memorial Service: 11 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at West Side Christian Church -Springfield with Mike Harney officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery where Honors will be conducted.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the LLCC Foundation in Memory of The Edwards Family or the Animal Protective League in memory of Lily.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Edwards
Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.
Patrick & Gail Springer
January 24, 2025
I grew up going to school with Frank and he was always fun to be around. We always enjoyed our visits with him and Cinda. They are thought of frequently and are missed.....
Patrick & Gail Springer
January 24, 2024
Although it's been 3 years since we lost Frank, Cinda and John Evans, we think of them everyday and miss all three of you with saddened hearts...
Sharon Bell
January 24, 2024
Still missing you. Rest in eternal peace.
Patrick Springer
January 24, 2021
Frank his wife Cinda were dear friends who we spent time with everything they were in Florida as we only lived about 15 minutes away from them. We enjoyed our time with them going out on their boat to dinner somewhere or just going out period. We celebrated News Year with them & Alex and other times with John & Rita Evans when they came down with Frank and Cinda. Franks was loved by many. I think about Frank, Cinda and John everyday and miss them all terribly. Rest in peace Frank.....until we meet again.....
A Springfield Family
February 4, 2020
Our family is so terribly saddened about the passing of Frank, Cinda & Lily Edwards.
Frank served with pride and honor in the National Guard. His love for his Country was immeasurable.
Frank's position as Chief of the SFD was met with a fierceness of tact and strength. As Alderman, he listened to every resident's concern and always went farther than most.
Stepping up to the position of Interim Mayor after a devastating circumstance; Frank continued running the city as if he were born for the position. We stood by and supported him 100%. We were thrilled to see Frank's name on the ballot for the office of Mayor of Springfield!
We had the opportunity to get to know Frank even better at Springfield Welding. He was an honest and fair businessman. It was Frank Edwards, how could he be anything else? Unfortunately, we saw Frank quite often at his and Cinda's business!
And he was just as devastated as us when our car was towed in after a hit and run. Our car was totaled. Frank gave me a hug. We talked in the office for awhile before he drove me home.
We were in shock when we heard Frank & Cinda were taken from our City, County and hearts that awful day. Our hearts go out to Alex.
Frank will be ever so missed and always in our hearts.
Godspeed, friend.
~Repose En Paix. ✝
Mary McGrath
February 4, 2020
Godspeed
Steve Wright
February 4, 2020
My deepest prayers to your family during this impossible, heartbreaking time.
Sharon Bell
February 4, 2020
Many fond memories of Frank & family and summers spent together at Springfield Ski & Boat Club. My sincere & heartfelt condolences to Judy Rich & rest of Frank's family. He will be missed.
Janet (Briscoe) Lykins
February 1, 2020
My deepest condolences go out to the family of Frank and Cinda Edwards. I knew both of them for many years, and they were both wonderful assets to the Springfield community. May Frank, Cinda, and Lily Rest In Peace. You will be deeply missed by the community you both served so well.
Angela Paoli
February 1, 2020
Frank was a good man and I always enjoyed stopping by the "shop" to say Hi when I was home. He was an important friend to our family and we are saddened by his loss. My sincere condolences to his family.
Troy Dive Florida
February 1, 2020
My Prayers to the Family,
Till we meet again my Friend.
John Linxwiler
February 1, 2020
Having had the experience of working with Frank years ago (we worked together with the Springfield Park District...Frank was the first director of the Nelson Center).....After Two years as our director he left to pursue a career with the Springfield Fire Department! It was a privilege to work with a Frank....to watch him grow and always make things happen for our city! I am proud to be able to call him a good friend! May he and Cinda RIP....All our prayers are with the Edwards family!
Patrick Springer
February 1, 2020
Frank and I both were graduates of Glenwood HS '68 and good friends. We enjoyed our monthly visits with them when they came down to Florida. You couldn't ask for a better friend. Frank was a caring and fun person to be around and will be missed and always remembered. Until we meet again Frank......
Craig and Diana Ovington
February 1, 2020
To Frank, Cinda and of course Lily. God has chosen you to serve and watch over us until we meet again
January 31, 2020
Rest In Peace
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