Edward Rich

Edward "Ed" Lee Rich, 79, of Wood River, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6:24 pm, at Alton Memorial Hospital.

He was born on January 6, 1945, in Alton, IL, the son of Richard and Ione (Pence) Rich.

Ed graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 1963. He retired from Prairie Farms in Carlinville, IL as a truck driver. Ed served as a Medic in the United States Air Force from August of 1965 to March of 1969, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He loved horses and was a trail guide at Holiday Hills Ranch in Godfrey, IL for several years. Ed was custodian at his church, Friendship General Baptist Church, for several years until he was no longer able to do it. He took great pride in keeping the church clean. If anyone needed help with something, he was always willing to help. Ed loved talking to people whether he knew them or not, just like his Grandpa, Doc.

Survivors include his two sisters, Jo Anne Carr, and Eleanor (Dave) Fleming; a sister-in-law, Kathie Rich; nieces, Michele (Scott) Ervin and Jennifer (Bobby) Gammil; nephews, John Fleming and Justin (Amber) Rich; and two great-nephews, Joshua and John Ervin.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Doc and Clara Pence; a brother, Eldon Rich; and a brother-in-law, Glenn Carr.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m., at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Reverend James Overby will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Military rites will be performed by Alton VFW Post 1308.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Friendship General Baptist Church.

A huge thank you to the nurses, staff, and doctors at Alton Memorial Hospital for the excellent care they gave our brother, Ed.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home