Born in Leimert Park, Calif., Ed grew up loving the outdoors- birds, bugs, and all the creatures that he discovered around the homemade swimming pool built by his “Grampie” for him and his beloved sister Barbara (“Babsie”). His inquisitive nature always had him taking apart radios, clocks, watches, and anything he could find and then putting them back together.
Ed began playing the trumpet at age 5 and was teaching by 13. In 1937, he helped Grampie build a cabin in Wrightwood (many years later, the Thomas Family would live in this cabin). He enlisted in the Navy at 17 (World War II). Ed’s first assignment was to Washington, DC, to play in the Glenn Miller Navy Band; his second assignment was the USS Hooper Island, a fighter ship heading for Japan. Ed did double duty aboard ship: damage control and the Navy Band.
After the war ended, Ed made his way home from Japan and went to San Diego State College, majoring in Science and Music. While in San Diego for college, he enjoyed playing guitar with neighbors Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers.
He married his first wife, Delores, and they had a daughter, Rose. He got his dream job in L.A. as a professional musician. Ed played with the Manny Harmon Band. He also alternated with Doc Severinson as first chair trumpet at MGM and Warner Bros. studios. Along the way, he played with members of the Glenn Miller Band, Artie Shaw, and Tex Beneke.
Later, backing away from the busy Hollywood scene, he moved to Wrightwood year-round, where he played at Big Pines Fireside Inn. During his many Years as a Fire Protection Engineer at Edwards Air Force Base, he played with the Edwards Air Force Band and the Bud Petty Band.
Ed soon met Dillie, the love of his life; they married and had two daughters, raising this family in the cabin he helped build as a youngster.
He continued his life of service as a Forest Service Patrolman, Firefighter, and a Special Deputy in Wrightwood. He built many fireplaces in town, did plumbing and electrical work, and ran “Eddie’s TV repair“. Ed worked at the flight test center at Edwards Air Force Base for 25 years, starting on the crash crew, moving all the way up to Chief of Fire Protection Systems. He was a Fire Protection Engineer for the Flight Test Center and NASA and was part of all the exciting work done at Edwards from the X-15 through to the Space Shuttle.
He retired in 1979 and began to travel as much as possible. He played trumpet with the Tri- Community Band, the Dixieland Band, and the John Bircher Band at local events and venues such as Mountaineer Days, The Yodeler, and the Country Club.
Ed was a true craftsman who loved building RC model airplanes from scratch. Ed and his flying buddies spent many years flying these works of art.
Dad and Mom loved to travel and had a life full of adventure. Faithfully at one another’s side, they took their trailer on many trips around the Southwest and to numerous art shows, where Mom showcased her beautiful paintings.
Even in his retirement dad remained a fixture in the community, he plowed snow for people in “Old Blue” the tractor he loved, helped remodel the old Wrightwood firehouse into a museum, playing music for his friends, sharing his life-skills with his grandchildren, caring for his mother in law and of course fixing anything electrical, electronic or automotive for his neighbors friends and daughters.
There is so much more that could be said about a life so well-lived; he was truly a local legend, one of a kind. A man known for his kindness, knowledge, and talent, Ed’s life was a testament to the power of community, craftsmanship, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest easy, Dad. We’re going to miss you and your loving ways every single day.
Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Dillie, and his sister Barbara. He is survived by children: Delores (Rose), Barbara and husband Steve, and Melody and husband Peter, Grandchildren: Aaron, Lizzie, and her husband Nick. And five great-grandchildren, Jolene, Shepherd, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Stetson.
We will have a Celebration of Life on February 21st at 11:00 am in the Clubhouse at the Country Club in Wrightwood, California. 1387 Oriole Rd. Wrightwood, Calif. 92397.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Audubon Society.
