Edward Everett Murhling, 86 years, 3 months and 25 days, departed this life at 10:00 p.m. October 18, 2017, at Life Care Center of Rochester.

On June 23, 1931, Ed was born in Delong. He was a treasured son of Everett and Geraldine Robinson Murhling. At the age of 10, the Murhling family moved to Kewanna. As the second of three children, Ed shared his childhood with sister Violet and brother Larry. He attended Kewanna Schools and was proud to be an honorary member of the KHS class of 1953.

A loyal member of the Kewanna United Methodist Church, Ed rarely missed a Sunday service prior to his health decline. He looked forward to the Wednesday night soup suppers hosted by his church. Among great memories he shared are the rides as a co-pilot heading to Texas with his buddy Herbie Zellers at the wheel, driving his 18-wheeler. More recently he enjoyed breakfast or lunch at the L & B Oasis and cruising in Joe’s beetle or Roy’s 57′ Studebaker.

Eddie developed a strong work ethic working alongside his Dad at their parts business. He later was dedicated to Winamac Coil & Spring where he worked many years until his retirement.

A man of great compassion, Eddie was proud that he helped care for his mother who he truly adored, during her years of decline. Whether it was heading uptown on his bike to get the mail, to the grocery for necessities or cooking under her watchful eye, Eddie was always there as a comfort maker for her.

Home to Eddie for the past 76 years was Kewanna, “the little town with a BIG heart.” He was revered by many, known around town by almost all of the locals as “Eddie,” garnering the title as unofficial mayor of the city. With charisma, and a flash of a smile and his sparkling ice blue eyes, he was a diplomat, a man who never met a stranger. As once you met Eddie he was a forever friend. There were many adventures on his retro blue bike with cream colored fenders and many of them included Molly, his Boston Terrier who rode shotgun in the front basket.

A simple man, Eddie’s routine included biking up to his brother, Larry’s Barber Shop and enjoying chatting with the guys, browsing magazines and catching up on the latest. He might jaunt across the street to Lynn’s for pie or lunch or down the street to the Kibitzer for a sandwich or special of the day, his greatest joy was being among his friends.

Eddie is lovingly remembered by his brother, Larry L. Murhling and wife Kay of Rochester; nieces and nephews: Amy Marrs and husband Jim, Bill Murhling and wife Julie, all of Indianapolis, Bob Clyde and wife Barbara, Gwen Hott and husband Joe all of Kewanna, Mike Clyde and wife Carol of Lavonia, Ga., Nancy Luketich and husband Pete of Highland; several great nieces and nephews; and his canine cherished companion Molly, the Boston Terrier. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Violet Clyde.

A celebration of the life of Mr. Edward E. “Eddie” Murhling will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester with Pastor Hal E. Cohn officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service. Ed will be laid to eternal rest in the family plot in the Leiters Ford Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Kewanna United Methodist Church or the Fulton County Animal Shelter.