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W. Edwards Obituary
A native of Mathews, he was a resident of Newport News for 69 years. He graduated from Cobbs Creek High School and Norfolk Business College. He retired from the Personnel Department of Newport News Shipbuilding in 1986, after 47 years of service, having hired over 150,000 employees during that time.
He was a former member of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mathews and a member of North Riverside Baptist Church.
He was a member for more than 50 years and Past Master of Peninsula Masonic Lodge, Past High Priest of St. John's Royal Arch, Chapter 57, and a member of the Hampton Commandery No. 17. A long time member of Khedive Shrine Center, he served as President of Peninsula Shrine Club and Knights of Mecca and Director of Jesters. He was also a member of Tidewater and Suffolk Shrine Clubs. He participated in the Shrine Paper Drive each year and was a member of the Official Family for over 20 years.
Many years ago, Penn received a figurine from a good friend with a note attached stating, 'The guy who created this must have had in mind W. Penn Edwards who has the same twinkle in his eye and the same warm, friendly smile that indicates a love of life and his fellowship. He never met a stranger.'
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Allen; and two brothers, Warner Edwards and Burch Lewis.
Penn is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Jean; his daughter, Sharon White and her husband, Mike, of Yorktown; three grandchildren, Jennifer Carney (Dave) of Yorktown, Angela Hamilton (John) of Virginia Beach and Jake Allen (Alicia) of Poquoson; six great-grandchildren, Kristi, Mandy, Josh, and Jaime of Poquoson and Ryan and Peyton of Virginia Beach; and one great-great-grandchild, Taylor of Poquoson.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at Peninsula Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life service with Masonic Rites to be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at Peninsula Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children c/o Khedive Shriners, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320.
Arrangements are in the care of Peninsula Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W. Edwards
Jennifer Wren
February 9, 2009
My thoughts are with you and your family. I'll be thinking of you, Sharon.
gary coxton
February 9, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tracy Finney
February 9, 2009
I had the privilege and pleasure of working for Mr. Edwards. What a special treat it was to have known him. When we are constantly bombarded by the negative, we are so fortunate to meet a role model. I will always remember Mr. Edwards as just that a wonderful role model. I will remember him, and I will celebrate having known him.
My deepest sympathy to all his family.
ralph johnson
February 8, 2009
Jean,
God bless you & your family in this time of sorrow. He will be missed by all.
Love
Ann & Ralph Johnson
Florence Foster Rainier
February 8, 2009
Thinking of you at this time.
It was in Spring Hill's bulletin today.
Clyde DAlton
February 7, 2009
Jean - Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Penn was an outstanding Man and we so enjoyed our times together with you both in 1989. We made so many good memories together which we shall never forget. You and Penn always showed the great love you had for each other. We shall miss his presence. our love to you -- B. Clyde and Mary Alice Dalton
S. Ray & Pat Connard
February 7, 2009
Miss. Jean,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. One of the kindest and thoughtfull men has departed our world.
Our lives will have a void with the loss of this dear man.
Pat & Ray Connard
Khedive Shriner
Dottie and Carlton Leonard
February 7, 2009
May God bless you and the family in this time of sorrow. Dottie and my prayers are with you
Bob & Dot Foxwell
February 7, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jack and Linda Burton
February 7, 2009
Dear Jean and Family,
We will miss Penn's humor and that great laugh! Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Annette Gilbert
February 7, 2009
I Love you Miss Jean. My heart is with you and your family at this sad time.
Love Annette
Scott-Eleanor Cowherd
February 7, 2009
Dear Jean,
Scott and I want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Penn was a fine man and we know you have many precious memories to cherish.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in His loving care always.
With our love,
Scott and Eleanor
Kevin Roundy
February 7, 2009
We are reminded that our brother has finished his earthly labor which shall continue to bloom with eternal venture thru an ever beginning to a never ending eternity.
May God bless you and your family
Fraternally Yours,
Worshipful Master
Kevin Roundy
Tansportation Lodge 337
Hugh Spivey
February 7, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
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