University News
Harold Herbert Edwards Obituary
January 17, 2025

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University mourns the loss of Professor Emeritus Harold Herbert Edwards, 87, who passed away on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
Edwards joined the WIU faculty in 1965 and served for 42 years, retiring as a full professor. He earned his undergraduate degree from Albion College in 1960 and his MS (1962) and Ph.D. (1965) in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Edwards was active in the community as the director of the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus for 25 years, a founder of the annual LaMoine River Sweep and a member of the Macomb Area Alliance for Peace and Justice. He was also involved with the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, serving in leadership roles and singing in the choir.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer; sons, Daniel (Alissa) and Paul; and grandchildren Eevee Genesis, Mercedees, Deion, Bryson and Simon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Kristin Hawley; grandson Toby; and six siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, with a light lunch to follow. Private burial services were held at Camp Creek Cemetery.
The department of Biological Sciences will send flowers to the family or plant a tree in Edwards' memory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Great Rivers Presbytery.
For more information, view the full obituary at go.wiu.edu/4hhxnJQ.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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