Edward Wolcott Metz, 82

Edward Wolcott Metz, 82

Edward Wolcott Metz, 82, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully with his family by his side on January 17, 2023. He was born August 4, 1940, in Tama, Iowa, the son of Clifford Edward and Eva Dorothy (Wolcott) Metz.

Edward grew up on a farm in central Iowa as a young man until he graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1958. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served for three years before his honorable discharge in 1961. During this time in the Navy, he married his high school sweetheart, Edamae Charlotte Goehring, in 1959. They celebrated 63 years of marriage and raised four children. Edward and his family lived in different cities in Iowa and Illinois through the years. but resided in Galesburg since 1978.

Edward was the owner and operator of Public Discount Auto Parts in Galesburg from 1978 to 2010. Upon retiring, Edward was active with his family and his church, Faith United Methodist Church. He enjoyed his time participating in church activities and finding relaxation in his retirement.

Edward was a simple man with a big heart with many friends. He was also known for his wit and sense of humor. He had many abilities and a gift to solve mechanical issues and problems, which he utilized in his working career. He had an uncanny ability to simplify problems and point people in the directions they needed to help solve their problems.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Grace Geraldine Elliott.

Surviving is his wife, Edamae; his children: Evelyn (Scott) Swanson, of Galesburg, Barbara (Bill) Kaufmann, of Palm Bay, Florida, Daniel Metz, of White Hall, Illinois. And Doug (Cathy) Metz, of Lakeland, Florida; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation was from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg. The funeral was 11 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2023, at Faith United Methodist Church. Rev. Don Shane officiated. Burial was in East Linwood Cemetery at 2 p.m. following a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church or the animal rescue of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.