Edward Chavers

Edward Thomas Chavers, Jr., age 78, passed away on December 11, 2025, in Columbus, OH, after battling prolonged health challenges. He was born June 1, 1947, in Chicago, IL, and later moved to the Bronx, NY, as a teenager, where he graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School.

Known to some as "Chilie Red", Ed attended Fisk University (where he played baseball and football) and The Ohio State University (where he was initiated in the Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.). He also played on a Columbus Flag Football team many years ago. Ed retired from AT&T and was an avid golfer, playing on many courses around Central Ohio and making annual trips out of state as well. His appreciation for the sport was influenced by his father early on, and it was a joy he continued to share with his sister for many years as members of The Wedge Golf Club in Columbus.

More than anything, Ed treasured his family. He thoroughly enjoyed getting together regularly with his children for lively gatherings around the dining table or the television (especially for OSU Buckeyes, NY Jets, and NY Mets games), and he made it his priority to show up at birthday celebrations, school programs, and athletic events to cheer on and encourage his grandchildren, whom he adored. The love and deep friendship he shared with his wife Lili goes beyond words, but simply put, Ed was and remains the love of her life. No matter the scene or the situation, Ed was sure to bring his bright smile and his sense of humor. All in all, he was a kind, caring, and giving man.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Edward T. and Mildred S. Chavers, father-in-law Walter Keht, mother-in-law Patricia Keht, and sister-in-law, Rochelle.

Those who remain to celebrate and hold dear the memories of his life, are his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Lili E. Chavers; beloved children, Tiffany (Thomas) Barfield, and Edward III (Nicole) Chavers; sister Darlene Chavers; grandson Miles granddaughters, Isabella, Stella and Savanah; nephew Kris; special cousin Bobby; longtime close friend Todd; brothers-in-law, Geno (Terri) and Gary (Antonya); sister-in-law Gayle (Gabby); his favorite four-legged friend "Rocco," and a host of other relatives and friends who he cherished and by whom he will be sadly missed

Private arrangements have been entrusted to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service.