Gordon E. Edwards

Gordon E. Edwards 10/14/1924 ~ 8/31/2008 Gordon Eugene Edwards, 83, died peacefully in his sleep on August 31, 2008 in Santa Rosa, CA. Born in Salt Lake City, UT on Oct. 14th, 1924 to Pearl Stewart and Eugene Edwards of Delta, UT and was the proud step-son of Eb Stapley. As a boy, Gordon attained rank Eagle Scout. Graduated Delta High School in 1943, serving as class president in senior year and played on Delta Rabbits football team. Enlisted in US Navy immediately following graduation and served his country during World War II as airplane navigator. Returning to Delta after the war, Gordon married Bonnie Rae Black, daughter of William "Doc" Black and Ella Clark of Delta. They had two sons, Gordon Craig and Robert Kim Edwards. After early business venture in Delta and short tenure with Tax Assessor's office in Berkeley, CA, Gordon began 33 year career with the Civil Aeronautics Administration, later renamed the Federal Aviation Administration, starting as radio operator in the Flight Station at Woody Island, Alaska. Career included assignments in several cities throughout the United States that included Honolulu, HI; Los Angeles, CA; Delta, UT; Phoenix, AZ; Atlantic City, NJ; Salt Lake City, UT; Oakland, CA; and Washington D.C. where he retired from the FAA. Also worked overseas in both Tehran, Iran and Jubail, Saudi Arabia where he designed air traffic control systems. Finished his career working as consultant for both Boeing and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Companies before finally retiring in Upland, CA. Never one to "stay put" anywhere for long, Gordon and Bonnie relocated once again to Windsor, in northern California, to be close to their two sons and their families. However, it was always Delta he considered "home". Preceded in death by wife: Bonnie Rae; son: Robert Kim; and brother: Roger Stewart. Survived by son: Craig; daughters-in-law: Susan and Pam; grandchildren: Michael, Matthew and Jeremy; and great-granddaughter: Manzanita. Memorial service: 12 noon, Sat., October 4, 2008 at Nickle Mortuary, Delta. All are welcome. He will be laid to rest at the Deseret Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada at 1060 La Avenida St., Mountain View, CA 94043 or online at www.alz.org/norcal/