Robert E. Edens

EDENS, Robert E., 81, of Riverview, Fla., passed away June 22, 2008. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force and was a U.S. Marine World War II veteran. He was an area resident since 1966, coming from Florence, S.C. He was a member of the Ruskin United Methodist Church as well as past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6287, and South Hillsborough County Man of the Year in 1980. He was also a two-time commodore of the Tampa Sailing Squadron of Apollo Beach, Fla., and a Boy Scout leader for the Gulf Ridge Council. He is survived by his wife, Hannelore; three sons, Robert E. Edens Jr. of Lake Charles, La., Thomas M. Edens of Houston, Texas, and Donald J. Edens of Seminole, Fla.; three daughters, Linda E. Smith and Debra A. Edens of Lake Charles, La., and Barbara E. Strawn of Valrico, Fla.; brother, Billy T. Edens of Smyrna, Ga.; sisters, Eugenia Bode of Temple Terrace, Fla., and Marjorie Youngblood of Duluth, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will take place 2 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2008, at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to the Boy Scouts of America Gulf Ridge Council. Stowers-Brandon