Benjamin F. Edwards III

Edwards, Benjamin F., III of St. Louis, MO, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on April 20, 2009 in Naples, Florida in the presence of his loving family. He was born October 26, 1931 in St. Louis to Presley William and Virginia Barker Edwards. He attended Clayton public schools and St. Louis Country Day School, where he graduated in 1949 before entering Princeton University. There he graduated in June 1953, a week after marrying his beloved wife, Joan Moberly. After serving 3 years in the U.S. Navy, he began a career of nearly 45 years at the St. Louis investment firm of A.G. Edwards, which his great-grandfather founded in 1887. He took over as managing partner in 1965 when his father, Presley, retired. Along with several other company officers, Ben spent one weekend a month for 2 years designing the template that would steer the growth of the company into the future. Ben took the do unto others culture that was already in place and, as Chairman and CEO, developed a client-first, employee-second, shareholder-third model that became the firm's trademark. Under his capable leadership, A.G. Edwards grew from 40 offices to nearly 700, and into one of the most respected investment firms in America. Placing his trust in his fellow employees, Mr. Edwards has always credited the success of the firm to those wonderful people who loved to work for a client-oriented company in an employee-friendly atmosphere. He retired in 2001. The cancer that would end up claiming his life was first diagnosed in late 2007, but Ben lived the next 1 1/2 years with an incredibly cheerful attitude and spirit, never complaining or asking why. Knowing his time here on earth was winding down he remained strong in faith to the end, a great inspiration to those around him. He was a member of The Covenant Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, as well as many cultural, civic, and business organizations both locally and nationally. Ben believed in giving back, and through the years served on the boards of many organizations and institutions, including Civic Progress, United Way, Washington University, Barnes Jewish Hospital, SIA and NYSE. He loved his God, his family, and his country. He was faithfully committed to his Sunday School class at Covenant Church, and cherished his friends and long-time A.G. Edwards associates. Never owning a bad mood (he did not believe in them), Ben had a ready smile for everyone. He knew he was saved by God's redeeming grace, and lived at both home and in public a life of integrity, kindness, candor and joy. His heart was full of gratitude for the blessings he enjoyed. We could not have had a better husband, father, and Granddad. Mr. Edwards is survived by his dear bride of almost 56 years, Joan, and his children and grandchildren: Scott and Mary Edwards of St. Louis (Julie and Chris Seyer, Brett and Kristen Edwards, and Becca), Benjamin F. IV (Tad) and Catherine Edwards of St. Louis (Hadley and Benjamin V), Pamela and Lee Bunn of Raleigh, NC (Guthrie and Jill Bunn, Riley, and Macon), and Susan and Michael Medart of St. Louis (Griffin, Mason, and Hayden). He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth Collins of Glencoe, MO, and Judy Bayer of Summit, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Connie Feager. His family is appreciative of the lavish outpouring of love, care, visits, phone calls, and cards from so many who touched his life over the years. Special thanks to his dear friends and the Vitas Hospice staff in Naples, FL for their unending help and friendship. Services: The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 27 at 4 p.m. at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis. All are welcome. The family also invites anyone who wants to come visit Sunday, April 26 at the Bogey Club, 9266 Clayton Rd., Ladue from 12 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Covenant Theological Seminary, 12330 Conway Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141. A service of LUPTON CHAPEL.