I remember as a small girl (younger than 10 yrs)we were visiting aunt Helen and uncle Donnie , Susie and I were out on the hill on halfway rd trying to catch lightning bugs with out much success we Ed came over told us if we held our hand out and called out hoot hoot hoot the lighting bugs would land on our hand and as he explained one landed on his hand so for the rest of the evening we ran around yelling hoot hoot hoot. I’m not sure how many we caught but Ed sure had fun watching us be gullible he thought it was the funniest thing ever and for the last 50 some years Ed and I hooted to and teased each other about it almost every time we got together.
I will forever think of the silly memories every time I see lighting bugs and givea little hooty hoot I know you will send them to me.
Love you Ed give your mom dad and brothers a hug for me I know you are all rejoicing together 💕💕💕
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Joke #. Ed and Bill loved to number their jokes! Would be in conversation and call out a number a then laugh really loud. People were so confused, they always had to explain. Fun times with extended family.
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I grew up on halfway Road. Ed was three years older than me and lived about four houses down. The Kraft family and the Shipley family got together and played baseball played in the barns walked in the woods played in the creeks. The funniest story Ed ever told me is when one day he was playing in the barn (there used to be a game we would play where we would take plastic army soldiers put them in a straw house, order them to come out or we would burn them out. But they never listened and, of course, we were forced to burn them out). One Sunday morning he was out by himself in the barn, the fire got a little out of control, so Ed ran out to get the dog dish of water to douse the fire but the water dish was empty. Ed runs into the house runs up the stairs and he hears his dad holler "who is running up them stairs"? It's me Ed. his father replied you "March yourself back down those stairs and and walk back up the way you're supposed to". So it does what his father told him to do and when he gets back to the top of the stairs his father ask him "now can you tell me what was so important that you felt the need to run up those stairs"? Ed screams "THE BARN'S ON FIRE". Of course the barn burnt to the ground probably because Ed had to March back down the stairs and walk them up again.
My older brother Evan Ron Shipley Led Ed to the Lord in our home after Ed had picked Ron up hitchhiking, Ron invited Ed in because we hadn't seen Ed since we moved from Halfway road. Ron shared his testimony of how Jesus was alive and had changed his life, Ed gave His heart to the Lord that day. My brother didn't continue on with the Lord but Ed did. I gave my heart to Christ when I was 13 and I was 17 when Ed came back into our lives. When Ed got saved he dove all the way in, he studied the Bible, went to every church service and convention. He took me to my first youth convention In Ohio. We would make Saturday Night Live videos on the weekend with our church buddy Curt Holbrook. Funny funny stuff, where are those videos? Ed was the one who got me to go to Tomlinson College in Cleveland, TN. We were both scheduled to go together and some last minute complications came up and Ed calls me while I'm waiting for Him to arrive at my house so I could follow him down to TN. and tells me he was not able to go. that was a huge decision for me to stay or to travel 600 miles by myself with an Atlas to Cleveland, TN. I did it and it changed my life. I'm now a Bishop in the church and a state presbyter for Iowa, it's all because Ed got me to think about going to college which opened all those doors for me. I have a debt of gratitude to him. While I was in Iowa my overseer Steve Madrid asked me if I knew of any ministers. I gave you Ed's name, he gave Ed a call and ask him to come and pastor the Cedar Rapids church in Iowa. I feel like I was able to repay Ed for being such an influence in my life. love you Ed. My heart hurts. to Deb and the family my prayers go out to you to take God's comfort . We have great memories that will keep Ed alive in our hearts. God bless.
Bishop Timmy Shipley and family
Des Moines, IA.
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I remember his sermons. I remember following him after the church split and how your family took us in as your own. My fondest memory is picking up Brandy and she was playing with snakes in your yard. One of you pulled me aside and told me not to project my fear on her. (((Hugs))) He was a good man.
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Sister Deborah,
Brother Harry and I (Erica) are so very sorry for your pain in separation from our dear Pastor/Brother Ed! Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for you and all of the family.
We have so many precious memories with dear Pastor Ed, you and your precious family while at Ft. Hood, TX❣️
May GOD’s peace be with all of you.
With our love and prayers,
The Hobbs Family
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Praying for all friends and family.
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Growing up, our family spent a lot of time at their house. We always had so much fun! So many wonderful memories 😊One time Ed and I were riding double on their horse, Ginger when the saddle started to slide...I got the front legs and Ed got the back legs...lol. I also got the honor to play for their wedding ♥️♥️. So beautiful and blessed to see two soul mates declaring their love for each other♥️♥️. Your faith was so strong and you always set such a good example. Ed, You will definitely be missed. Say hi to my sister for me. Thoughts and prayers for all of your family, you always were so proud of them♥️🙏
Love, Doreen (Kraft) Schaffer
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Ed was a classmate from kindergarten through high school graduation. He was always a bit of a class clown. I remember in 6th grade, Ed was the angel in the school Christmas program. I'll never forget how shocked we all were to learn that Ed actually had the voice of an angel. His family and his faith were everything to him. Heaven is a little brighter, and our world a little dimmer without him. Our family is very sad to hear of Ed's passing. Praying for comfort for the entire Kraft family.
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Debbie, Judi and I send our condolences and reflect very fondly on our time with the Kraft family in Panama.
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Sorry to here of Eds passing. When Jane and I got married Ed spent so much time with us he called us mom and pop.He was always fun to be around but we did have to tell him to go home a few times lol. He made the world a better place.
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Deb and family,
So sorry to hear about Ed’s passing! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
There was never a dull moment with him around. He was the life of the party. He knew how to make everyone laugh.
I ‘ll never forget about the wafer he wanted to have at my wedding. I’ll also remember the winter of 1978, the Walton family plus.
Was so glad I got to see him last summer!
He’ll be missed by all who knew him.
Love,
Sharon Cherry
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So sorry for your loss Ed was good man of faith and I admire him for his strength
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