Lawrence C. Edwards, 96, of Rochester, died at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Regency Care Center in Springfield.

Lawrence was born on November 20, 1920 in Fayette County the son of George Dewey and Lucinda (Radcliff) Edwards.  He married Louise Schlver; she preceded him in death.

Mr. Edwards graduated from Vandalia High School in 1939 and attended LaGrange Junior College.  He retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1981 after 40 years of service in various management positions including District Construction Supervisor.

Mr. Edward was also a US Army veteran serving as Master Sergeant in the 41st Infantry Division during WWII.  He served 28 months in the Pacific Theater where he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon with two bronze arrowheads and two bronze service stars for New Guinea and Southern Philippines Campaigns.  He also earned a Philippines Liberation Ribbon with a bronze star, victory ribbon, four overseas service bars and a Good Conduct Medal.  When the war ended he spent approximately 30 days in the main land of Japan and Hiroshima.

Mr. Edwards was the founding member of the WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois.  He was a life member of the Rochester VFW Post 11463 and the Vandalia American Legion Post 95.  He was a member of the Rochester United Methodist Church.  Mr. Edwards was also a past member of several sportsman clubs.

Lawrence was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Betty McDowell; and three brothers, Jackie, Larry and Darrell Edwards.

He is survived by one brother, Bob (Ann) Edwards of Pipe Creek, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2016 at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester with Reverend Jack Swank officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery in Vandalia.

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