Stanley W. Edwards, 87, of Ocala, Florida passed away on Thursday, April 25,2024 in Ocala, Florida.
He was born in Rockford, Illinois to Lloyd and Elsa Edwards on November 23, 1936. He attended West High School in Rockford. He was a key member of the dive and swim teams, winning numerous championships. As a young man he took up bowling and excelled there also, bowling several 299 games and a 300 game.
His career in management began with a short stint at ServiSoft water treatment, and then with Culligan International in Northbrook, Illinois. He quickly moved up the ladder to President of the Retail Division, comprised of multiple company owned dealerships located across the U.S. After retiring from Culligan, he went on to successfully turn around two companies who were losing money.
His passion was boating and over the years had many boats, exploring Lake Michigan. His dream was to do the “Loop”. In 2014, he purchased a 45′ Californian yacht which he and his wife, Diane, lived on for a year, traveling from upper Lake Michigan to Jacksonville, Fl.
He is survived by his wife, Diane of 33 years, sister Barb (Darrell) Anderson, brother John (Debbie) Edwards, son Daniel Edwards, daughters Debbie (Tom) Uzen, Diana Wallace, Cynthia Blair, Kim (Rick) Larsen, 7 Grandchildren, Corey (Stephanie) Edwards, Chelsea (Justin) Leatherby, Aaron (Megan) Antczak, Angelic (Tony) Thomas, Zack Wallace, Samantha and Elizabeth Larsen, 4 Great Grandchildren, Kenley, Lucas, Mackenzie, and Maddie. Also, numerous nieces and nephews, with special thanks to Troy Edwards for his guidance.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Lloyd Edwards Jr.
A celebration of life will be held in Rockford this summer. Arrangements and date pending.