Richard A. Edwards

Richard A. Edwards, 84, a 45 year resident of Crofton, MD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 5 in his home surrounded by the love of his family. Richard was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1932 to Esther (Wilson) Edwards and Adolphus Edwards. His early years were spent in Dundalk, MD and Egypt, PA. While attending Whitehall High School (1951) he met Faye (McQuilken) Edwards, they married in 1955, had 2 daughters and together celebrated 61 years of marriage. After attending Graceland University, Richard was drafted into the Army. In 1955 he was honorably discharged and continued his education graduating from Moravian College, and receiving a Master's Degree from Temple University. He gained valuable life experience while working in his family's business, Vogel Ritt Terminix, teaching high school in the Pen Argyl Area School District in Pennsylvania and serving under appointment with the RLDS church in Chariton, IA and Independence, MO. Richard's professional career in educational fundraising lead him to positions at Graceland University, Georgetown University, and Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) where he served as Senior Vice President , retiring in 1995. His retirement was spent with family, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Richard was predeceased by his parents and his brother Duane. He is survived by his wife Faye, his brother Bud (Suzi) of Solomon's, MD, his sister Bonnie (Jim) Kelley of Ocala, FL, his daughters Carol (Mark) Collins and Amy Helpa, grandchildren Olivia Collins, Zachary Collins, Nolan Helpa, and Caffrey Helpa in addition to many nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge the care and compassion shown to Richard by the caregivers of Brightview Severna Park, Tribute Home Care, and Hospice of the Chesapeake. Please join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3S), Bowie, MD 20715In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Anne Arundel County - Team "Richard Edwards Memorial Walk" to help fund Alzheimer's Research.  Link below: http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2017/MD-GreaterMaryland?pg=team&fr_id=10483&team_id=446526&skip_login_page=true