Harold Herbert Edwards

Harold Herbert Edwards, 87, of Macomb passed away at on Monday, January 13, 2025 at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
He was born on October 31, 1937 on a small farm southeast of Milford, Michigan. He was the 5th of 8 children of Harold Hobson and Thelma Louisa Lemkie Edwards. When he was 5 years old the family moved to a farm just west of Clyde, Michigan where Herb grew up. He attended Highland Elementary School and Milford High School where he graduated in 1955. After working a year for Chevrolet Motors in Flint and Ford Motors in Milford he enrolled in Albion College. He graduated in 1960 and enrolled in the University of Wisconsin at Madison in the Botany Department. He earned a MS in 1962 and a PH.D. in 1965. After spending 2 years as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Biochemistry Department at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska he took
an assistant professor position in the Biological Sciences Department at Western Illinois University from which he retired as a full professor after 42 years. After retirement he spent winters in Mission, Texas area.
Herb married Ruth Kristin Hawley in August 18, 1962 in Madison, Wisconsin. She passed away on August 20, 2019.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Edwards; sons Daniel (Alissa) Edwards and Paul Edwards; grandchildren, Eevee Genesis, Mercedees, Deion, Bryson and Simon Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kris; grandson Toby Edwards; brothers Ronald, David and Richard and sisters Louisa Haisen, Valerie Dicks, Allene McCoy, and Sue Straub.
He was a lifelong member of the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus, singing in many quartets and directing the chorus for 25 years. He also directed the Western Chimes women's barbershop chorus for many years. He was a member of the Mission, Texas barbershop Men of A-Chord Chorus where he was a director and sang in quartets. He established and ran the annual LaMoine River Sweep cleanup until his retirement. He helped establish and was very involved in the Macomb Area Alliance for Peace and Justice. Herb was very active in Macomb's First Presbyterian Church as a Trustee, Deacon, and Elder and faithful member of the choir. The family appreciates the great care that Herb received from the Elms staff for the last 6 years.
Private burial services were held at Camp Creek Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Renee Whitaker officiating. Following the services, all are invited for a light lunch at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Great Rivers Presbytery.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
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