Ed Pharr

1946 - 2025

Ed Pharr of Kansas City, MO died in his home in Kansas City, MO August 24, 2025. Pianist, teacher and art guy, he was born in Oak Ridge, TN November 3, 1946. After a series of moves with his loving parents, Ed & Betty Pharr, Ed settled in Cincinnati, OH in the 1960s where he began lifelong interests in creative writing and jazz piano along with a life-long craving for 5-way Cincinnati style chili spaghetti. By 1968 Ed had earned his BA & MA degrees in English from Miami University (OH). While a student, he began publishing poetry in literary journals and was fascinated with contemporary poetry his entire life. He taught college level English for almost 30 years.

Ed settled in Kansas City, MO where he played the piano and led musical groups at local clubs, restaurants and hotels. Soon after, Ed found inspiration in Andrea Pharr, a local pianist. They were married in 1988 and had a long supportive love. Ed produced and recorded CDs and was a prolific composer. He also acquired a love of the classical piano canon. "What will survive of us is love" the poet Philip Larkin wrote, "not the quick and fleeting kind of love but rather love as an overwhelming embrace, a memorial of the heart."

Ed wishes his friends and family adieu.

Please also see obituary and additional photos at https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries.