Obituary

Larry Edwin Edwards, 69, of Rome City died unexpectedly Thursday, August 14, 2008, at 9:45 p.m. at his residence.

Mr. Edwards, an area lifetime resident, was a businessman and entrepreneur. He founded Edwards Floor Coverings in Rome City in 1963. His business involvements included Group One Auto Sales at US 6 and SR 9, Kendallville, R & L Investments, Edwards Fly Fishing, Inc., and most recently, the Adams Lake Pub.

He loved to fish and golf, and was considered the area's professional fisherman. He gave seminars on fly fishing and fly tying. He helped to form and was an active member of St. Gaspar Catholic Church at Rome City, was active in the Men's Club and Choir, and the St. Gaspar Guitar Group. He looked forward to organizing Christmas parties for two area nursing homes, Hickory Creek in Kendallville and Miller's Merry Manor in LaGrange. He and the guitar group also entertained the residents at Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. He befriended Coach Bobby Knight, and often entertained him at his home.

Larry was born January 19, 1939, in Noble County, Indiana, to Everett "Mutt" and Ruth Olive (Herendeen) Edwards. On February 6, 1960, at St. Gaspar Catholic Church, he married Mary Krull.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Edwards of Rome City; four daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Tom Dukehart of Rome City, Dr. Deborah and Phil Redd of Indianapolis, Linda and Ben Castle of Rome City, and Michelle and Troy Haynes of Kendallville; three sons and two daughters-in-law, John and Deb Edwards of Rome City, Michael and Karen Edwards of Rome City, and Robert Edwards of Kendallville; 20 grandchildren, Jacob Edwards, Isaiah Edwards, Sabrina Stanley, Jonathon Edwards, Jessica Edwards, Tommy Dukehart, II, Joshua Dukehart, Kelli Dukehart, Phil Redd, III, Deybrian Redd, Kylee Edwards, Kristopher Edwards, Kourtney Edwards, Ryan Castle, Holly Castle, Mark Johnson, Kelsey Edwards, Trey Edwards, Abby Haynes, and Collin Haynes; three great grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Tona and Bill Whitford of Pennsylvania, Cheryl Eash of Ligonier, and Vanita and Paul Shackle of Wisconson; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Gloria Edwards of Auburn and Terry and Luanne Edwards of Kimmell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Arnold Edwards and Darl Eugene Edwards, one sister, Mary Lou Grimes, an infant granddaughter, Jesette, and an infant grandson, Zachary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gaspar Catholic Church in Rome City, with Fr. Bernard Ramenaden officiating. Burial will be in Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Casketbearers will be John Edwards, Michael Edwards, Robert Edwards, Tom Dukehart, Phil Redd, Ben Castle, Troy Haynes, Tommy Dukehart, II, Josh Dukehart, Jacob Edwards, Isaiah Edwards, Mark Johnson, and Scott Grimes.

Calling will be Monday, August 19, 2008, from 3 - 8 p.m. at the church. Rosary service will be at 7:30 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to St. Gaspar Catholic Church, Noble County Humane Society, or Kid's Day Fishing Tournament on Sylvan Lake. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville, Indiana, is in charge of arrangements.

A video tribute may be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com