Pilot Grove Gazette
Obituaries
Charles “Charlie” David Edwards III
Charles “Charlie” Edwards III, former resident of Pilot Grove, departed this earth on September 28, 1972 after a fatal car crash in San Antonio, Texas. He was 30 years old.
Charlie was born on April 22, 1942 to longtime Pilot Grove doctor Charles Edwards, Jr. and his ex-wife Barbara Lee Edwards. Both of Charlie’s parents preceded him in death. (See “Pilot Grove Doctor’s Private Struggles” a reprint of a 1960 article on page 5).
Charlie attended Pilot Grove High School, graduating in 1960. Charlie had a near-perfect score on his ACT, yet opted to attend the local community college for two years to study pre-medicine. (See “Doctor’s Son to Reopen Practice?” a reprint of a 1960 article on page 7). Charlie did not attain his associates degree, but rather left school to join the army in 1962.
Charlie served in the army for six years, during which time he met and married his wife Carol Jane Morey. After choosing not to re-enlist in 1968, Charlie and Carol moved to San Antonio, Texas where Charlie enrolled in an engineering degree program. He graduated four months prior to his death.
Charlie is survived by his wife Carol and an infant son, Charles David Edwards IV.
Notes:
How big is your city?
Small, certainly. Everyone knows everyone else, skeletons and all. Lots of gossip… so 2-3k people? Definitely under 5.
– How old is your city?
Just old enough to have some middling historical claim to fame. Early 1800s or so. One of those boom towns that’s slowly rotting away, and all the old farts talk about the “good ole days”
– Who lives in your city?
Aging population. No opportunities for young people, so they all leave.
The young feel “trapped” mostly – staying is something to be avoided.
– What does your city look like? Some of the nice parts of the town remain – stately historic homes, a few shops on Main Street. But it’s glory days are long gone. Empty retail space, forlorn houses…
– What is the source of tension in your city? Those who want growth and change vs the status quo crowd. Without new opportunities the town is dying, but bringing in new people and ideas will “corrupt” the town’s traditions.
– How does the city feel? Welcoming in some parts – still has a feel of a homey small town USA and most people are friendly. Still that note of decay though, and the melancholy that goes with it.
Megan was born in Arcadia Valley, Missouri to two teachers who never refused a request for a new book. Between the voracious reading habits of her mother and her father’s constant writing of screenplays, poetry, and YA fiction, Megan never really stood a chance. Megan spent the next seven years teaching high school English, public speaking, and drama. After realizing how heinous working and parenting two active children full-time could be, she quit her job and has never been happier. After stepping away from teaching, Megan pursued freelance SEO content writing until she and her husband welcomed their third child in April 2023.
You can find her on Twitter(X) @M_elyselebron.