Edward Eugene Lloyd

Edward Eugene Lloyd, “Ed, Eddie, Steady Eddie & One Thumb” passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, April 12, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on November 4, 1927 in Gary, Indiana to Cecil and Blanche (Turner) Lloyd. After graduating from Horace Mann High School in 1946, he served our country as a medic and x-ray technician during WWII. Ed was a very proud Veteran and American. He was fortunate to have traveled to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight Chicago. He described the experience as an inspirational trip that he would always remember. On September 2, 1951 Ed married Pearl Marie Eldred. They met at a dance where it was love at first sight for Ed! Dancing was a passion for Ed and Pearl. They had a great dancing style that always attracted attention! The music of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Stan Kenton and George Gershwin was a constant at home. Rhapsody In Blue was a particular favorite of Ed’s. Ed and Pearl raised 3 children, Mark, Sue & Tim. Ed was a very special man to his family and his community. He was a generous, affectionate and fun loving Husband, Dad and Grandpa. Ed was well respected, smart, inventive, had a great sense of humor, was quick witted, kind hearted and a trusted friend to many. When Mark was just a baby, Ed lost his right thumb while water skiing. Thank goodness he was left handed! This is how he earned the nickname One Thumb. His stump was a well utilized prop and Ed gave it a life of its own. Throughout his life, Ed enjoyed creating his own stump antics and entertained people with elaborate versions of how he lost his thumb. He was a very active, contributory, industrious and involved member of his community and career. After working in sales at Kirkland Engineering, Ed began his career in 1954 as the Classified Advertising Manager at the Gary Post Tribune. During his career at the newspaper, Ed won many in house awards and contests. He consistently attributed these wins to the department of “great creative gals” that worked with him. Ed was also busy with his other work “hobbies" during his career. He was co-owner of Aetna Hardware, Bumper to Bumper Body Shop as well as 2 clothing stores, Young Fashions, in Valparaiso and Hobart, that Ed and Pearl co-owned with their good friends. Ed was productively involved in many valued organizations and associations during his lifetime. He was Secretary-Treasurer and Entertainment Chairman of the Merrillville Lions Club, past President of the Merrillville Lions Club, and was honored in 1970 by being named Lion of the Year for the efforts he devoted to the Lions Club. Ed was also a member of the Masonic Order and a member of the American Legion. Ed was also past President of the Northern Indiana Spike Club where he also served on the Board of Directors and became a LIFE SPIKE for his conscientious endeavors. He was Chairman of the Homebuilders Association of Northern Indiana and a long active member of ANCAM, where he received the ANCAM Distinguished Service Award. Ed was a Member and past President of ICAMA in 1972, and 1st President of the Wright Manor Community Club. Ed also received the Distinguished Merit Certification from the Mississippi Valley Classified Advertising Managers Association for his loyalty, fidelity, service and devotion in promoting Classified Advertising. Prideful of his many achievements and accomplishments, Ed retired from the Post Tribune in 1985. After his “retirement", Ed became a Real Estate Agent in 1986, worked at Shaver Chevy as the Car Rental Manager, sold cars at Moskowitz Classic Oldsmobile and last but not least, he was a Greeter at Burns Funeral Home in Hobart Indiana. Ed delighted in being a Greeter since he was able to spend part of his day with his dear friend Jim Burns, while also feeling rewarded that he was able to bring comfort and cheerful conversation to visiting family and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Blanche, Pearl, his cherished wife of 56 years, and his adored sisters Marian and Genevieve. He is survived by his 3 children, Mark Lloyd, Sue Ascher and Tim Lloyd, his brother Butch Lloyd(Cozy), Grandchildren Dan Sisk, Melissa Lloyd, Lauren Ascher and Brent Ascher, and 3 Great Grand Children, Connar Alexander, Isla Pearl and Elena Lucy, brother-in-law, Ron Eldred, plus several nieces and nephews. Private Funeral Services and a celebration of Ed’s very full life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's honor to a local Lions Club, a Veteran's organization or a charity close to your heart. Burns Funeral Home (Crown Point) entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Edward Eugene Lloyd

November 4, 1927 - April 12, 2020