Calvin D. Edens, 50, of Green Bay, Wis., formerly of Philippi, died Wednesday, July 10, 2002, in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Green Bay, Wis., following many years of poor health and a sudden illness.
He was born Oct. 15, 1951, in Stuttgart, Germany, a son of the late Orvill E. “Chuck” Edens and Betty Haddix Edens.
He was united in marriage on June 21, 1980, to the former Elizabeth Brazeau, who survives.
Also surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Kevin Roth; three grandchildren, Angie, Jordon and Peter Roth of Forest Junction, Wis.; one brother and sister-in-law, John and Donie Edens of Philippi; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Mary and Jerry Marteney of Buckhannon, and Cathy Edens of Lewisburg; two nieces, Barbie and husband, Dick Gordon of Belington, and Teresa and husband, Terry Henderson of Philippi; one great-nephew, Tyler Gordon, Belington; and many nieces and nephews by marriage. Additionally, three aunts, Myrtle Upton, Delores Kennedy, both of Philippi, and Marie Brandenburg of Vancouver, Wash.; one uncle, Howard Haddix of Canton, Ohio, as well as many cousins also survive.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two nephews, John and Allan Edens; two uncles, William and Calvin Haddix; and four aunts, Elsie Isner, Ruth Wilson, Norma Humphreys and Vivian Conner.
He was a 1970 graduate of Philip Barbour High School and later graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He began his career as a graphic designer with the Charleston Newspapers in Charleston, and later relocated to Wisconsin, where he continued his career at Shopko Department Stores and later the Aid Association for Lutherans and Prange-way Department Stores.
He was well known in Barbour County for his exceptional artistic talent and vast computer skills. In the later years of his life, he enjoyed restoring photographs and creating greeting cards for his family and friends and these mementos will be treasured always. In addition to putting his artistic ability to use, he enjoyed studying military history, particularly World War II. His West Virginia heritage remained a significant part of his life. In fact, to be near his family after losing his eyesight in 1984, he and his family returned to West Virginia to make their home in Philippi. After his vision amazingly restored in 1987, he returned to Wisconsin to continue his career and receive more advanced treatment to his health needs. However, he eagerly anticipated his annual vacations to West Virginia. Most importantly, he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ as a young man. He continued his Christian walk until his death and his life will always serve as a testament to all those close to him.
Funeral services were held at Green Bay Funeral Home and was interred in a Wisconsin cemetery. In honor of his precious life, a memorial service will be held at Crim Memorial United Methodist Church in Philippi July 27 at 10:30 a.m. Friends and family who were touched by Calvin are invited to attend.
