AVA - Edward E. Crowden, 84, of Ava, passed away at 3:05 am, Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. Edward was born on September 13, 1928 in Lamar, Arkansas, the son of Will and Geneva Crowden. He married Linda Sue Halford on September 4, 1992 at Jackson, Michigan. He was a veteran of the US Army having served during the Korean Conflict from November 1951 to August 1953. Edward was a retired welder. He was a member of the VFW Post #7190 in Murphysboro. Edward was a very loving Father and a friend to all and a stranger to none. Edward is survived by his wife, Linda S. Crowden of Ava; six children, Gerald Crowden of Alegan, MI, Edward Crowden, Jr. of Michiagn Center, MI, Troy Crowden of Ava, Lola Bruce of Ava, Dianna Blais of Ava, and Barbara Emerson of Murphysboro; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and one sister, Mattie Cochran of Puxico, MO. Edward was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and three sisters. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. Matt Zich officiating. Burial will follow at Bloomfield Veterans Cemetery, Bloomfield, MO. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 to 8 pm Tuesday and on Wednesday from 7:30 am until 11:00 am. Memorials may be given to the Activity Fund at the VA Hospital in Marion.