Robert William (Bob) Edwards, age 76, died March 29, 2002 in Salt Lake City.
Born July 27, 1925 in Salt Lake City to William James and Birdie Louise Hildebrand Edwards. In 1944, he married Mary Delene Wil-liams and she was truly his sweet-heart for all 57 years of their marriage. Bob worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for more than 50 years, beginning when he was a young teenager during the Depression. As an adult, he worked as a conductor, retiring in 1988. In the 1970's he was also manager of Promised Valley Playhouse, putting to good use his outstanding organizational skills and love of the fine arts. He also had a gift for business that he used as a salesman and consultant in many different fields. Bob was an avid collector of railroad memorabilia and co-authored a book on the early years of railroads in Utah.
However, his greatest work was always his church service. He truly loved the Lord and the Savior and expressed it by serving with diligence and faithfulness at every opportunity. Bob's devoted service as a temple worker, ordinance worker, and sealer in the Salt Lake Temple spanned more than 40 years. He also served as an ordinance worker and sealer in the Seoul, Korea Temple during the mission he served with his wife in 1988-90. Among his many other church callings were counselor in two bishoprics, bishop, director of ushers for many years at general conference, member of the Jordan River Dedication Committee, executive secretary for three regional representatives, and for the Utah South Area Presidency. He was a gifted Gospel Doctrine teacher, self-taught scriptorian, and historian. His life also included a dedication to genealogy and family history research. His main hobby was collecting the history of the Salt Lake Temple. His firesides on the history of the building of the Salt Lake Temple led many to an increased appreciation, understanding, and love of that beautiful edifice, as well as for temple work, and the scriptures about temple work. He was invited to give his fireside many times across the intermountain west.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children, Sherry L. Kramer, Robert W. Jr. (Denise), David W., John W. (Shawna), Catherine (Rod) Beckstead, Mary Sue (Andrew) Floi-sand; foster daughters, Lorene Savage, Jaquiline Quillen; 34 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren with five more on the way; brother, William (Margaret); sister, Margaret (Gary) Yates; many nieces, nephews and other dear family members.
Services will be Wed. April 3, 2002, 12 noon, Rose Park 2nd Ward chapel, 1153 W. 800 N. Friends may call Tues. 6-8 p.m., Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and Wed. at the church 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Lake Hills Cemetery.