Harold Eugene Edie

Harold Eugene “Bud” Edie, age 98, formerly of Tuscarawas, died Tuesday, July 29, 2014, in Hennis Care Center at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born September 24, 1915, in Wainwright, Ohio, he was a son of the late Walter and Cora (Heldt) Edie.

He attended New Philadelphia schools and while attending a dance at the former Spanish Ball Room at Dover met a young lady named Loretta Kopp. The couple were united in marriage on October 28, 1940 and briefly worked together at Republic Steel as crane operators. They have shared a marriage surrounded in love for the past 73 years and over the past several years have become inseparable.

Bud joined the United States Army on June 29, 1945. While serving, he was proud of the fact he had received a letter of commendation from James H. Scott, Commanding Officer of the USS Forrestal, for his dedicated efforts toward high morale aboard ship.

Following his discharge in December, 1945, Bud returned to the Tuscarawas Valley and began working for Warner & Swasey at New Philadelphia on January 14, 1952 and retired on March 10, 1978 following 26 years of service.

Together Bud and Loretta served as foster parents for more than 30 years, caring for as many as 14 children at a time and ultimately fostered over 200 children. In 1990 they were awarded the Robert E. Torgler Award for their commitment to fostering.

Through the years, the family’s faith was nurtured at the former St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and most recently at the St. Francis Desales Catholic Church at Newcomerstown.

Many knew Bud for his years of active involvement as the accordion player in the Country Harmony Boys Band; yet others knew him throughout the world by the Ham Radio Operator handle WB8DMF. Aside from spending hours on his Ham Radio, Bud enjoyed gardening, camping, entertaining visitors and being with his family.

In addition to his wife, Bud is survived by children; Harold Eugene “Gene” Edie, Jr. of Newcomerstown, Jerry Edie of New Philadelphia, Samuel (Daisy) Edie of Dennison, Marsha (fiancé, Ronald Jones) Edie of Canton, Donald Edie of Arizona, Linda (Steve) Domer of Dover, Tina Coleman Edie of New Philadelphia, Tara (John) Aguiar of Canton, and a daughter-in-law, Peg.

Completing the family are 23 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by sisters, Bernice, Isabelle, Verna, and Mayme; a brother, Walter; a son, James Edie, and a grandson, Isaiah Coleman.

The family will greet guests on Friday, August 1, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:45 PM. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Private inurnment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Bud’s name may be directed to the Hennis Care Center Activities Department, 1720 Cross Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.