Richard Eugene Edgar's Obituary
Richard Eugene Edgar: January 8, 1921 – September 11, 2021
Richard Eugene Edgar of Columbus Ohio, formerly of Athens, OH, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday September 11, 2021. He was born January 8, 1921, in Lawrence, Kansas to the late Charles Edgar and Mabel Owen Edgar.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Eleanor Irene Edgar, son James Arthur Edgar and 4 siblings. Richard is lovingly remembered by his son, Rev. John Edgar (Sue Wolfe), grandsons, Paul (Amy) and David, and granddaughters Isabella and Madelynn Edgar. Richard was a veteran of the US Army where he served during World War II as a medic in the 21st Field Hospital in China. Returning from the war, he married his sweetheart and lifelong companion, Eleanor Irene Paddy on August 24, 1946. A true intellectual, Richard love debating and developing socially significant ideas. Over the years he became an ever-more committed egalitarian, dreaming of a world where everyone thrives, no one is compelled to work, and all people are free to pursue their highest aspirations. In 1968, Richard completed his Ph.D., from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and the Edgars moved to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he joined the faculty of Antioch College. Two years and several incendiary publications later, he was offered a tenure-track professorship at the University of New Orleans. He would research and teach there for the next 13 years. Richard and Eleanor retired to Athens, Ohio where they lived on 30 acres of wooded land. In 2012, Richard and Eleanor move to Columbus where they lived at Wesley Glen Retirement community. Richard continued his intellectual pursuits there where he organized conversation groups about current topics. He and Eleanor enjoyed being close to their family in central Ohio.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 5:00 PM at United Methodist Church for All People, 946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Development for All People in his memory.
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