The following is written in loving memory of our Dad, Eugene G. Edwards, affectionately known as Gene, Bapa, Mr. Edwards, King Kong, Curly, Gene Gene the Dancing Machine and GeneO. Born November 23, 1924 in Benkelman, Nebraska. After graduating from Benkelman High, Dad proudly served our country during WWII in the U.S. Army’s 17th Airborne Division. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.S. in Business Administration and completed a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1952. Recalled to active military service from 1951 – 1954, during which time he served a hospital administrative residency at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO followed by a tour of duty on an Army base in Heidelberg, Germany.
In 1954, he became Administrator of Hiawatha Community Hospital in Kansas. The following year he began his 32 tenure as President of Bryan Memorial Hospital, retiring as President/CEO in 1987.
Dad was recently and aptly described as “an authentic man with no pretenses.” We were often told that he provided visionary leadership in the field of healthcare. To wit, 31 years ago, during Bryan Hospital’s 60th Anniversary celebration, he offered the following insight: “Our society will continue to have an older population. There will be more Medicare patients and a greater need for home healthcare. The employees will play a key role in the future of this hospital…they always have. And, I foresee, in the not too distant future, offices for sub-specialty physicians in this building.” There are no words to explain just how much Dad loved working with every component of the hospital and medical staff in providing the best patient care possible. He was driven, humble and committed to serving Bryan and the Lincoln community.
Dad married his high school sweetheart, Jackie Ough, on December 29, 1949. Our grandmother, Eleanor, said Jackie had many suitors but Gene always hung around after everyone left in order to win her affections. He won. Their family grew with the addition of us: Pam, Patty and Mary.
Dad and Mom loved opening their home to everyone. They shared 35 amazing years until Mom’s death in 1984. DeMaris Jones became Dad’s second wife. During their marriage they enjoyed gardening, traveling and being wonderful grandparents, affectionately called Bapa and DeeDee by Jacqueline and Elizabeth.
Dad loved to help things grow, from seeing people fulfill their potential to gardening as he diligently tended his roses, plants and vegetables. He enjoyed playing golf and always told Jacqueline, Elizabeth (and us) to “keep your head down.” He was a voracious reader, loved to sing (always picked “Five Golden Rings” as his part of the Twelve Days of Christmas), and was a dedicated Nebraska football fan. He was also known for never meeting a stranger and keeping an immaculate basement and garage (a trait not inherited by his daughters).
Affiliations have included: American Legion, Executive Club of Lincoln, Country Club of Lincoln, Lincoln Medical Center Association, Lincoln Medical Educational Foundation, St. Paul Methodist Church, Sesostris Shrine Temple, Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He served on the Board of Directors of Woodmen Accident and Life Co., Lincoln Bank East and the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. Named Administrator of the Year, Hospital Section of the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries, in 1985. He was a fellow and regent of the American College of Hospital Administrators, American Hospital Association, the American Protestant Hospital Association, Newcomen Society of the United States and president of the Nebraska Hospital Association (1968).
Survived by daughters, Pam Edwards, Patty Edwards (David O’Doherty) Lincoln, Mary Laughlin (and the late Alexander M. Laughlin, Jr.) New York. Granddaughters Jacqueline and Elizabeth O’Doherty, step grandchildren Alex and Julia Laughlin. Stepdaughters Karen Ward, Katie (Bob) Wilson and Casey (Joan) Jones, stepchildren Kelly (Torrey) Rassfeld, Kristi (Jeremy) Fleming, Rob (Dodi) Wilson, Tim (Amy) Wilson, Katy Jones, Andrew Jones and step great grandchildren. Preceded in death by wives Jackie, DeMaris, parents Lena and Francis, sister and brother in law, Bonnie and George Korkisch and aunt, Kate Ralph.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the following: Bryan East and West staff for their excellent and compassionate care of Dad during the past four years of his health challenges; Dr. Jason Potts and his nurse Sara, angels on earth, providing tireless and loving care from day one until his death; Bryan Foundation, PR Department, Administration and Nutrition Services; UNMC Department of Neurology including Dr. Danish Bhatti, Bobbi Roeder, RN, Julie Pavelka, APRN and Dr. Pierre Fayad; those caring for Dad at 4th Floor LifeQuest and The Cove, and those who lightened his days with their visits and cards.
Memorial service will be held Friday, 12/15/2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church. No visitation.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to the Bryan Foundation 1600 South 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68506.