David Edwards

Colonel David Jean Edwards, MD 93, of Indianapolis passed away November 2, 2013. He was born January 31, 1920 in San Francisco, California to David John (master cabinet maker/carpenter) and Aggie Fern (wonderful homemaker) Edwards. Not only was he the first person in his family to graduate (Balboa) high school, but he then went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Berkley, a Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of California School of Medicine (1944) and a Master's Degree in hospital administration from Baylor University in Texas. He spent over 27 memorable years in the United States Army, including marrying his wife, Herta Schmaldienst, in Vienna, Austria (1948) while an EENT resident at the Vienna School of Medicine/110th Station Hospital. David Jean was actively involved in the German-American Club (president), with the 31st Medical Group in Darmstadt, Germany. Later, he was the Commander of the US Army Hospital at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana and Commanding Officer for the 62nd Medical Group in Vietnam. After retiring from the military a full Colonel, he worked for the Indiana State Department of Health for 14 years, including tenure as the Assistant Commissioner for Hospital and Health/Medical Operations. He was the father of a fallen firefighter (EMS Division Chief David John Edwards – Lawrence Township Fire Department, 1988). His many interests included a love for railroading, military history, Christmas, stamp collecting and a good Sherlock Holmes mystery book. Now he ascends to Heaven just in time for this November 5th and 6th to celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife. David Jean was preceded in death by his parents, David John and Aggie Fern Edwards; wife, Herta Edwards; son David John Edwards and daughter Lynda Jeanne Edwards. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Edwards; daughter-in-law, Debbi Edwards-Byerly; son-in-law, Larry Byerly; grandchildren, Sara (Jeff) Hastings, Jeremy Edwards, David Edwards and Christopher (Sylvia) Byerly; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Hastings, Everett Edwards and Delilah Hastings; and his beloved, constant companion/Westie, Tiny #5. Services will be at 12:00 noon on Friday, November 8 at Flanner and Buchanan – Broad Ripple 1305 East Broad Ripple Ave. Visitation will be from 10 until the time of service. Graveside services will be at 1:30 at Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Indiana Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 9075 North Meridian Indianapolis, IN 46240. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan