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Ronald Edwards Obituary
Edwards, Ronald E.
Ron passed away peacefully on March 13 at the age of 85. He leaves behind his beloved wife Vicky, children, grandchildren and so many students whom he cherished dearly. Ron was an award-winning teacher, published author, accomplished musician, established photographer, avid runner, and he absolutely adored dogs!
A Celebration of Life will be held April 1, 1:00 p.m. at the River Bend Elementary gymnasium. Please wear your tennis shoes in honor of Ron!
Donations: https://www.loveagolden.com/ or https://www.hsmo.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Edwards
Jim Kilgore
April 14, 2025
Coach Edwards brought joy to everyone he ever met. I was a student of his.
Nina Roberts
February 16, 2025
Ron was a fellow Parkway teacher. I sent him a card when he was ill. Later I received beautiful note cards. He was a kind and thoughtful gentleman.
Barbara Esstman
September 1, 2023
I hadn't heard from Ron in a while and feared that I would sadly find his obit. When my kids were at River Bend, I got to know him from my volunteer work there, the fun runs he organized, and the weekly free! exercise class he gave for parents. Over the years we kept in touch as the kids grew up and had their own kids. He was the kind of teacher you pray for, and he was a good friend. I can't imagine him ever resting in peace, so I'll just always picture him running when he's not doing a thousand creative things.
Kit Nathan
July 7, 2023
Best PE teacher, friend, musician and inspiration to so many students!!! Coach Edwards was my PE teacher at Weber Elementary School in the 70´s! He was and always will be UNFORGETTABLE!! The BEST!
Michael O
June 24, 2023
Mr. Edwards told me in 3rd grade I'd be captain of the football team one day and it came true. He spoke life and confidence in me as a kid and I'll never forget him. God bless
Carol Timblin Hendricks
March 31, 2023
Dear Vicky and Family,
Although I will not be at the Memorial service tomorrow, my thoughts will be of him, his zest for life and other people, and his music making. His shared gifts made those who knew him better
individuals in their worlds.
Ginny Miller (Morrell)
March 31, 2023
Myself and my siblings all have very wonderful memories of Mr. Edwards. He was inspiring not only as a gym teacher but for his amazing talents as a photographer and poet. He made birthdays in gym class special and we will always remember the fun runs (running was never my forte, but both my brother and sister ran cross country in middle school and high school, I am sure partly due to Mr. Edwards' inspiration). I remember even after he retired, going to the far end of the field at Riverbend and saying hello when he was out with his dog. Mr. Edwards will always have a special place in our hearts.
Lynn. Pott
March 29, 2023
Ron Edwards was one of those kind, caring, genuine people who impacted others. I was always amazed at his many talents. He wrote, was a musician, and helped children enjoy physical fitness. Ron also seemed to be able to read and understand others. That is probably why he was a good writer. I know his huge heart and quick smile helped me. I am honored and blessed to have known him. He was a treasure. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Mike & Pat Fischer
March 29, 2023
Ron was a member of our Anytime Fitness gym, he was the most popular member here. When he entered the gym he was immediately surrounded by people who wanted to talk to him. We sat sat down with him and he shared some of his most popular quotes and they will always be on our message board as well as one of his pictures that hang by our front door. He was a warm, kind man that was full of so much knowledge. It will not be the same without our good friend here, we dearly miss him. We cherish the time he spent with us, he will never be forgotten.
Sherri Parker
March 28, 2023
Ron was a gem of a person with layers of talent. He was a respected colleague of the Parkway physical education family. A genuine friend to many, Ron will be greatly missed.
Sanford House
March 28, 2023
Educators like Ron Edwards come along once in a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to have him as my gym teacher from 1979 to 1982. It just so happened that I was the same age as Bob, which made my relationship with Ron even more special. I will always remember his smile, passion, energy, and genuine care for his students. The annual, Green Tree Run, getting chased around the gym on my birthdays, the records he played during class. Those memories have been with me for 44 years and will stay with me forever. Ron Edwards made River Bend Elementary a special place. He will always be in my heart, may he rest in peace.
Diane Barnard
March 24, 2023
Ron was a special friend,teacher and mentor to my son Hayes Barnard. He was the epitome of an exemplary teacher.Our family treasures a photo we have that he took and one of his book of poems written for a student Christopher Daly ,who died of a brain tumor while at River Bend Elementary.
Hayes Barnard
March 22, 2023
Ron Edwards played a massive roll in the development of my childhood. As an only child, raised by a hard working single mother, I was extremely blessed to enjoy 7 years at RiverBend after two laps with Miss Macy in the first grade. For a dyslexic kid that struggled to read Dick and Jane books, Mr. Edwards gave me the confidence I needed as a young adolescent to believe in myself. Frankly, art, music and gym were my outlets of success at Riverbend and Mr. E made gym class, well you know...TOTALLY AWESOME!! From early morning dodgeball (go shirtless to get two hits) to EPIC field days the memories are wonderful. Good to know I'm a faster runner than Furaha Bryant and can jump farther than Jason Walker and John Coyle and have a number of ribbons to prove it. Know I can walk on my hands across the gym better than Jimmy Raisch, climb the rope without using my legs better than Sean Sangster and take Stephanie Hahnel out in any four square game. Come on, we could all use a nice bear crawl relay race or 5K GreenTree Run right now.
Like many of you, he went out of his way with compassion and empathy for the underdog. To make me feel special. To show me, I was a winner and why winners always have options. He knew just how to be there for a struggling, frightened kid that spent a lot of time alone in his rented Woods Mill Park Apt while Mom was working two jobs. He would come to my apt and pick me up to drive to downtown St. Louis to meet Jim Heart, Pat Tilley and OJ Anderson, Pro Football players for the St. Louis Cardinals at the time. Oh the power of that lens with talented men with that swagger. Later he would attend my HS football games and cutout the articles in the Post and send personal hand written letters of inspiration with engraved pens with touchdown stats. Always so thoughtful and considerate. So many sentimental gifts for my three children. Grateful we stayed in touch and spoke a couple times a year to express love for one another.
The music, the art, all the races, the positive attitude and effort to make it all so personal. Will miss him dearly and will never forget all the lessons in life I received from watching the way he treated the people he loved and took under his wing.
He will always be a hero of mine.
Hayes Barnard
william fosher
March 21, 2023
Mr. Edwards is a legend. He was always full of energy and all of us students at River Bend loved him. He was my gym teacher from 1976-1982. Although it has been 40+ years, I can vividly recall sitting on the floor in his gym class and can visualize exactly what Mr. Edwards is wearing (white pants and a white t-shirt that may say "Green Trails 5k Run" on it).
Back in 1979 when I was a 4th grader, I found a dollar bill on the bus on the way to school. Mr. Edwards was the first adult I saw when I entered the building. I turned the dollar bill over to him, explaining that I had found it on the bus. The next day when he saw me, he took me aside and told me that nobody had claimed the money. He gave me the dollar back and bought me a soda (I still remember that it was an orange Fanta in a glass bottle). He told me it was my reward for being an honest person.
Rebecca (Becky) Hughes
March 21, 2023
Mr. Edwards is one person who made River Bend School a "Very Special Place" He was my gym teacher from kindergarten through 6th grade in the 70's and 80's. He was so much more than the PE teacher. He saw each and every child as having our own unique gifts - even if we weren't the most athletic. He was all about participation and "trying your best". In the late 70's/early 80's he would get every kid he could to register for the Greentree Run and we'd all go to Kirkwood for the event. After he was finished with his run, he'd circle back and cross the finish line with as many of us kids and parents as he could. This was long before fun runs were held regularly. He unsuccessfully tried to teach me to play guitar before school. When my mother passed away in 2015, Mr. Edwards left a message on her Legacy obit, just as I am doing now. He and my mom would see each other in Dierbergs frequently through the years and after she passed away he let me know in an email that he had been keeping up with us through her when they would see each other. I'd run into him every so often, too. Even 25+ years after I was his student he recognized me and I did not have to tell him my name. I think every longtime River Bender had that experience with Mr. Edwards. He'd ask about my brother (by name) and my mom and dad. Mr. Edwards was a significant part of my elementary school years, and I don't think I realized how much of an effect he had on me until I was an adult. He was a very special man. I've never forgotten how kind he was to me growing up. He defined River Bend elementary school for many years.
Nonie Brown
March 21, 2023
Ron Edwards was a large part of what made River Bend School a Very Special Place. He welcomed us to the school with open arms and encouraged our first grader to become a tip-topper. Games like bopper, River Bend Road Run and fitness groups before school made PE fun & led to a life long love of fitness for our children. We had 4 children at River Bend and some how he related to each of them with a unique positive impact. Never before and never after did our kids have a crossing guard (Ron Edwards) that played his guitar as they crossed the street. He made every Halloween a Do Not Miss event. He always went the extra mile. He stayed in touch after we left St Louis. Ron's was a life well lived and blessing to all!
Kevyn Winzen
March 21, 2023
Mr.Edwards was definitely a unique teacher I will never forget, he was the coolest gym teacher I have ever had. He was known for his elimination games such as 'the bopper' and his Halloween costumes. He made the best Elvis impressions. My heart goes out to his family! My dad and I will miss him dearly
Jill Behan Ramsey
March 20, 2023
Ron was a very special teacher at a very special place... River Bend School. He led by example, teaching the importance of fitness through fun activities. My favorite memories include him surprising all of us each year with his unique Halloween costumes and leading the a Halloween Parade. I´m so happy we stayed connected after retirements, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences we had at River Bend School. My sincere sympathy goes to Vicky and his entire family.
Crystal Reichert
March 20, 2023
Mr. Edward's was my gym teacher from Kindergarten to 5th grade back in 1997! Everytime we went up to the playground on weekends or summer time we always walked to his house up the street and hangout for a while, catching up! I remember seeing him showing off his red convertible mustang and driving it down Olive with the top down all the time! He was such an AMAZING person and could bring a smile to everyone around him! You were always excited for gym class because you knew Mr. Edward's was going to make it fun and adventurous! He will be truly missed by so many!.
Maggie Holter
March 20, 2023
I can´t imagine growing up in River Bend without Mr. Edwards! He was so much more than our teacher. He was a motivator, a trusted friend, a creative "fun-haver". Nearly 30 years later in a world of screens and disconnection I can see how unique and important his lessons were, and how blessed I was to have him in my life. He was a connector of people´s hearts! He helped us kids understand complex issues and navigate the complicated parts of "growing up" with ease. So many fun memories to pick from: the rope swing days, his Halloween party costumes, his music performances and photography. When I remember Mr. Edwards, I will always remember some of the happiest times of my life! He was loved by many, and especially by my brother and I!
With love, Maggie Holter
Pamela Beste
March 19, 2023
Very sad to hear this news. Mr. Edward's was a memorable teacher and always fun.
My condolences to the family.
Connie Daly
March 19, 2023
I am so saddened to hear of Ron's passing!! He was a most remarkable, a truly kind and caring man. About 34 years ago Ron helped my son Chris and my family through an extremely tragic time in our lives. He visited Chris often and one day Chirs gave him a picture he had drawn of a rainbow with a pot of gold at its end. That inspired Ron to write a most beautiful song for Chris. I still play that song today. Ron will always be special to me!
Sending hugs and prayers to Ron's family and may your memories help you through this sad time.
Very sincerely,
Connie Daly
Stuart Sherman
March 19, 2023
Ohhh nooo!! Mr E and I reconnected about five years ago. I looked for him for years. Mr. E was truly one of a kind. The greatest PE teacher of all time. I had Mr. E K-6 at River Bend Elementary. The memories that will always standout are when I would see him running down Olive St rd daily and/or driving his red convertible w/white top down Olive st rd. I loved that man. ALWAYS the nicest, most genuine human being. I went to his house for a visit. What an incredible time that was. (See pic) Ron was showing me his photography. Mr. E would call me and/or email (IN ALL CAPS, lol) once every couple weeks to tell me that he went to work out and was trying to strengthen his hips so he could run again. When my Mother passed almost four years ago, Ron sent a beautiful plant to the funeral home. I still have it in my house to this day.
Mr E will forever be missed!! What a true Gem. Until we meet again Mr E, I love you my friend.
RIP Mr E
Jan Misuraca
March 19, 2023
Ron was such a wonderful person, gym teacher, photographer- the list goes on and on. We were in his classes when he taught at Ross Elementary long, long ago and still kept in touch. I use his notecards all the time! He will be missed. Jan Misuraca
Marilyn Levison
March 18, 2023
Ron cared. He cared about all people and showed his appreciation generously and often. He always gave his time and talents and showered us all with gifts.
He loved life. He was fun loving and he enjoyed playing. He had the best tshirts with awesome sayings on them. He was real and kind and sincere. Heaven has gained an amazing angel.
I will miss Ron terribly.
Nina Roberts
March 18, 2023
My sympathy to Ron´s family. We were fellow physical education teachers in Parkway. Blessings to his family. Nina Roberts
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