Edward C. McGan

September 29, 1924 – December 24, 2005

Edward Cosby McGan was born on September 29, 1924, in Uniontown, Kentucky. He departed this life, to join his wife, Beulah, on December 24, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital, in Evansville, Indiana.

Edward was the youngest child of James Isaac and Prudie (Powell) McGan, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, James McGan and Herman McGan. He is survived by a sister, Rosie Griffin, of Henderson, Kentucky.

Edward’s family moved to Henderson, Kentucky, when he was 7 years old, and it was there he remained until he met the woman who would be his partner in life for over 61 years. After meeting in an aircraft plant in Evansville, Indiana, where they were both involved in the war effort, Edward married Beulah Shewmaker on August 5, 1944. After a period of service as a member of the Army Air Corp during World War II, Edward and Beulah soon returned to the Hicks Branch Community of Hardin County, and purchased the farm where Beulah was born. It was here that they lived until Beulah went to be with the Lord just this past December 6^th, 2005.

Edward and Beulah’s marriage was blessed with two children, David Edward, of Corydon, Kentucky, and Linda Jean, of Herod, Illinois.

Edward spent most of his working life at Ozark Mahoning, in Rosiclare, Illinois, from which he retired in 1986, after about 38 years of service. Edward always took pride in his work and career, and in fact never had an unexcused absence in all the years he worked for Ozark-Mahoning. In the later years of his career there, he was a foreman in the Maintenance Department, and always spoke fondly of the men who worked at his direction – and they reciprocated that respect time and time again.

Edward professed faith in Jesus Christ early in his marriage, and served the Lord in a number of ways, including as an ordained Deacon.

For the past 25 years or so, he and Beulah attended Buena Vista Community Church, in Harrisburg, Illinois, and more recently had enjoyed attending Sunday evening services at Good Hope General Baptist Church in the Karbers Ridge community. There, he was popular with the young people, as he always had a smile, a kind word, and perhaps a piece of candy for the children that he so much enjoyed being around.

In their later years, Dad became the primary care-giver for his beloved Beulah, as the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease began to take over her mind and functions. But he never complained about that situation, rather letting his deep love for Beulah and his trust in God sustain him through those later years.

Edward always instilled in his children, from their early years on, that the most valuable possession a person will ever have on this earth is their good name. Edward was a rich man by that standard, as he lived a life that ensured that his name was one his children could be proud to be known by. His many friends and acquaintances are a testament to the life he led.

Just a few short days ago, Beulah’s eulogy discussed the Legacy of Love and dedication to God that she had left. In reality, it is a legacy that Edward and Beulah forged together throughout their life, and one that they have left as a fitting example of a most successful and fruitful life as they passed this way. And now, after a very brief separation, they are once again together for eternity.