John Edmondson

Biography

John Hayward Edmondson, age 95, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in Florida. He was born at home on December 2, 1917, in White County, IL, the son of George G. Edmondson and the former Elizabeth K. Ude.

Growing up working on a farm during the depression taught him life lessons of thrift and savings. He married the love of his life, Georgie Lou Coffey, and celebrated 55 years of marriage prior to her death in 1998.

He was a Chief Petty Officer during World War II and an original “Plank Owner” on the U.S.S. Yosemite AD19. After over 40 years of retail store management, he retired to Florida, first living in the Sarasota-Bradenton area and later in Jacksonville. John was active in Masons, VFW, American Legion, Merchant Assns. and Chambers of Commerce. He enjoyed woodworking, reading western novels, and especially excelled at his home landscaping design.

He is survived by his son, John H. Edmondson Jr. of Oro Valley, AZ (Melody); his daughter Shireen E. Zsomboran of Atlantic Beach, FL (Joseph); four grandchildren: John H. Edmondson III (Paige), Steven Edmondson (Allison), Christopher Baysore (Beverly), and Mindy Gibson (Casey); as well as eight great grandchildren and an additional great grandchild on the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George Harold Edmondson; and his sister, Louelle M. Tucker.

A graveside funeral service will be held Thursday, June 20, 2013, at 11:00 am, at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi. Pastor Stevan McClure will officiate. Military burial rites will be provided by the American Legion and VFW of Carmi. A Celebration of His Life will be held in Jacksonville, FL, at a later date. Local arrangements have been provided by Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi. Condolences may be left at www.stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com.