L. Edward "Ed" Wesley

L. Edward "Ed" Wesley, 81, of Robinson, IL, went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2020 after many years of failing health. He was born May 16, 1939, in Flat Rock, IL, the second of six children born to Wilbur Wesley & Eva (Akens) Wesley, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Milly Waldroup and by his brother, Harold Wesley. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda Wesley; by his sons, David & Vickie Wesley (Robinson, IL) and Philip & Dena Wesley (Edwardsville, IL); by his grandchildren, Traci & James Ralston (R.W.C., CA), Matthew & Chelsea Wesley (Hutsonville, IL), and Kyle Wesley (Edwardsville, IL); by his great-grandchild, Myla Dawn Wesley; by his siblings, Iona Shafer (Robinson, IL), John Wesley (Apple Valley, MN), and Mary & Rick Cutright (Staunton, IL); as well as many nieces and nephews. Ed grew up in the Flat Rock area and was a 1957 graduate of Robinson High School. He would proudly go on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from October of 1957 to October of 1960. At the completion of his service, he farmed before moving upstate. There, he worked for Thompson Wire in Franklin Park, IL before moving back home in February of 1974 to work for Briggs Manufacturing, where he would work in the Mold and Model Department as well as the Brassroom for 25 years until May 31, 1999. Away from work, he found great joy outdoors, be that fishing or playing a round of golf. An avid sports fan, he also spent countless hours rooting for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals or Chicago Bears. He was very skilled with his hands, and made a number of treasured trinkets for his family, who will remember their patriarch as a helpful, kind soul who looked for the best in everybody, and gave the best he had. The love he had for others was evident, but his grandkids in particular held a special place in his heart. He placed his life in Jesus' hands years ago, and from this place of faith, he became a light to those around him, a picture of His Savior to a hurting and broken world. He attended and was a longtime member of the South Union church, and we are thankful that Ed fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15th at South Union Church (rural Flat Rock, IL). Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the church with Pastor Eric Hankins officiating. Burial will be in the Tohill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "South Union Church", with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.