Edwin Root Iii

Edwin  S. “Ned”  Root III, Age 90, Of Battle Creek, Passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at Bronson Battle Creek. Edwin was born on October 11, 1921, in Hill City, Kansas, the son of Leroy Frederic and Clyda Dell (Wilkinson) Root.  As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” his life spanned most of the twentieth century. His grandfather owned one of the largest cattle ranches in the state of Kansas, so his childhood resonated with scenes from the old west. As a child of the Great Depression, he finished high school in 1939 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on September 21, 1942. Trained as a photo lab technician and aerial photographer, he was assigned to the First Photographic Mapping and Charting Squadron. He served in three theaters: Canada, North Africa, and Okinawa, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His role in the service of his country was recorded and is on file with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. After returning from the war, he settled in Salina, Kansas where he met and married Reba Ann Just on October 18, 1946. She preceded him in death in 2009 after sixty-three years of marriage. He attended the Brown Mackie School of Business, and went on to work for the International Harvester Company. After working for a Pontiac dealer, he traveled as an auto parts salesman for Cowie Electric. Then, he accepted a position with Chevrolet Motor Division, General Motors Corporation.  After thirty-five years with General Motors, he retired and moved to Battle Creek to be closer to family. He was a member of the Battle Creek Bible Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, golf and traveling.    Surviving are daughters, Jara Dee (Richard) Sutton of Battle Creek and Susan Dell Root of Champaign, IL; grandchildren, Dr. Brian Zellers of State College, PA, and Eric Zellers of Atlanta, GA, and close friend, Jean Vaughan of Battle Creek. Visitation will be held Monday from 5 to 8:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the funeral home with Pastor  Larry T. Messer of the  Battle Creek Bible Church officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Battle Creek Bible Church.  www.henryfuneralhome.org

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