Neil Edds

Neil R. Edds and Norma J. Edds

Neil R. Edds, 91 of Independence, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Gansel House Assisted Living in Independence, Kansas. Neil's loving wife of 63 years, Norma J. Edds, 86 joined him in death on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Gansel House Assisted Living in Independence, Kansas.
Funeral services for Neil and Norma will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at The First United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. Friends may sign the register on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 from 12:00 Noon until 8:00 p.m. at the Webb and Rodrick Chapel with the family receiving visitors from 6:00 - 8:00p.m. Memorials in honor of Neil and Norma may be made to First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, 200 S. Penn Ave. Independence KS or The William Inge Center for the Arts, Independence Community College 1057 West College Ave. Independence KS and left with Webb and Rodrick Chapel.
Neil R. Edds was born February 16, 1925, in Mindenmines, Missouri to Carl David and Reba Leona (Williams) Edds. After graduating from Mindenmines High School in 1943, he entered the United States Navy and served from October, 1943 to June, 1946.
Following World War II, he pursued higher education, receiving B.S., M.S. and Ed.S. Degrees from Pittsburg State Teachers College. His professional career included thirty-seven years of teaching and educational administration. This consisted of one year teaching in Fulton, Kansas, three years teaching in Cherryvale, Kansas, four years as Principal of Cherryvale High School, and the following at Independence Community College. Six years as Assistant Dean-Principal, two years as Dean-Principal, eight years as Director of Admissions and Registrar and thirteen years as President.
Through the years, the Junior College and School District had shared common facilities. During his tenure at Independence Community College, Neil was instrumental in the development and passing of a bond issue to build a new, separate entity for the college. The bond issue was passed by a large majority of voters. His leadership in the planning and building of the new facilities came to fruition when the new campus, located at the former Independence Country Club site south of Independence, was occupied in 1970. Edds retired from the college in 1987 and served as the Interim President from 1996 to 1997.
His primary interest was in education, but he also found time to participate locally in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kiwanis, Community Chest, American Red Cross, First United Methodist Church, local Masonic lodges and Lay Advisory Board of Mercy Hospital, as well as professional activities on the state and national level.
While teaching at Cherryvale, he married Norma Jean Patterson May 31, 1953.

Norma J. (Patterson) Edds was born on May 26, 1930 in Independence, Kansas. She was the daughter of Ray E. and Ola May (Meagher) Patterson. As a youth, she was very active in 4-H Club work and won numerous honors on the county and state levels, achieving the ultimate of being named to the Kansas Master 4-H Club. She graduated from Independence High School, Independence Junior College and received a B.S. Degree in Sociology from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She was employed as a caseworker for the Montgomery County Social Welfare Department. Mrs. Edds ceased professional employment in 1954, and devoted her time to her family.
While attending Kansas State University Norma was active in the Kansas State Band. Norma was also a member of United Methodist Women, past president of Mother's Club, a member of Friday Study Club, past President Riley PTA for two years, past President PTA Council, and member of the Eastern Star, and Veterans of Foreign Was Ladies Auxiliary.
Those left to honor the memory of Neil and Norma include one son, David and wife Tracy Edds, of Emporia, Kansas, one daughter Julie Hastings, of Independence, Kansas, four grandchildren, Sam and wife Karen Hastings, Killeen, Texas, Kyle and wife Jenna Edds, Roeland Park, Kansas, Matt and wife Kacie Hastings, Independence, Kansas, Corinne Edds, Baltimore, Maryland, four great-grandchildren, Joshua Hastings, Jacob Hastings, Johanna Hastings, Eli Hastings.
Arrangements Entrusted to Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.
www.webbrodrickchapel.com

Visitation

Webb Rodrick Chapel
306 W Main
Independence, KS  67301
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

First United Methodist Church
200 S Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
N Penn Avenue
Independence, KS  67301