Edwin Jerald Beaver went to his Heavenly home on Friday, January 16, while in his home in Camden, Arkansas with his wife, Martha by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; two sons, Edwin (Patsy) of Kansas City and Jonathan (Kelley) of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Brandy (Ryan), Brooke (Jake), Chris (Katie); and great-grandchildren, Marley, Nathaniel, Caleb, Bryhlee, Carter, Violet, Elenore, and Matthew; a sister, Dell Gorman of Pine Bluff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, E.J. and Hazel Beaver; and son, Roger. He was also preceded in death by three wives; Betty, mother of his three children, Neva, and Marion.

E.J. "Jerald" graduated from Chidester High School. He earned a business degree from Missouri Western State. He was accepted in law school but had to quit when night classes became unavailable. E.J. "Jerald" served in the US Air Force and retired from TWA after 35 years.

He leaves a legacy of kindness and a sense of humor. He went out of his way to be a good husband, a good friend, good to friends and family, as well as total strangers. He could tell stories about anything that came up and found great joy in doing so and making people laugh! As a result, he was a favorite among many doctors and nurses in his many hospital stays.

He became a Chiefs fan when he moved to Kansas City and never ceased to love "stuff" with their logo. His last Christmas present from his wife, Martha, was a decanter and glasses with the Chiefs logo on it! He could recite the coaches and players from their first super bowl to the present season!

At his heart E.J. "Jerald" was a singer. It started when he was a child riding with his dad, his mom, and his sister in an old pick-up truck, singing gospel music and learning to harmonize as a family. He sang with family in small churches in Chidester and only stopped when his voice changed. But he returned to his love of gospel music after his retirement when he returned to Camden. He would sing "Ahab the Arab" at the drop of a hat! Martha, his wife loved his singing and recorded some of their favorites! She cherishes her recordings of his singing. A favorite one being "The Old Rugged Cross".

The family plans to hold a memorial service at a later date.