AVA – John Cecil Edgar, 88, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, Illinois.

John was born on March 30, 1936, in Ava, IL, the son of John M. and Eleanor (LePere) Edgar. He married Roberta F. Kuhnert on August 25, 1956, at Denmark Baptist Church, Cutler, IL. John was a Retired Bank President from First National Bank of Ava and Farmer. He attended Grade School in a one room building for all 8 grades, Dist. #72, Perry County, Trico High School and received his Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University. John participated in 4-H, FFA, and the Trico Lions Club. He was the first student at Trico to receive the State Farmers Degree. John was a member of Denmark Baptist Church, Cutler, IL, (Deacon and Trustee), First Baptist Church, Ava, IL, (Deacon and Trustee), Trico Lions Club (President for 2 terms and various offices), and the Illinois Bankers Association (Vice President and President). He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing Pinochle, and southern gospel music. John loved all sports, specifically St. Louis Cardinal baseball and the Salukis games.

John is survived by his wife, Roberta Edgar of Ava, IL, his children: John Douglas (Nancy) Edgar of Ava, IL, Kim (Kevin) Taylor of Murphysboro, IL, Tonia (Bob) Purcell of Ava, IL; his grandchildren: Amie (Duane Taguacta) Bollmann, Alisa Knoles, Tiffany Taylor, John Curtis (Kiersten) Edgar, Rachel (Stephen Teng) Edgar; his great grandchildren: Aidin Taguacta, Austin Knoles, Ava Knoles, John Luke Edgar, Olivia Edgar, Aurora Edgar, Taylor Clemmons, Skylar Easton; his brother, Randall Allen (Margaret) Edgar of Ava, IL, and his sister-in-law, Vivian Edgar of Ava, IL

John was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, William Gilbert Edgar and one sister, Carolyn (Gerald) O'Dell.

Funeral services will be on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 3:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, with Pastor Marty DeRoche officiating. Burial to follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, where friends may call from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Memorials may be given to Denmark Baptist Church or Trico High School Softball and can mailed in c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.