Philip 'Phil' D Edwards

Phil graduated from Fairmount High School in 1940 and began his pharmaceutical degree at Purdue University. His education was interrupted in 1942 by World War II and he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to France and Germany as a Platoon Leader with the 353rd Infantry Regiment of the 89th Infantry Division. Following the end of his wartime service, he returned to Purdue to complete his college education, met his future wife, Joyce A Edwards, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy in 1947.

Phil was pharmacist and owner of Edwards Rexall Drugs in Fairmount, IN from 1947 to 1964. He took time away from business when he was called from the reserves to serve his country in the Korean War on November 8, 1950. He served with the 27th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Division in the Medical Service Corp in a battalion aid station (pre-M.A.S.H. Unit) as a First Lieutenant. On March 27, 1952 he ended his service to the country he loved.

Phil moved his family to Arizona in 1964 and became a manager with Ryan-Evans Drugstores. In 1967 he joined the pharmacy department of Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix and in 1972 became the Director of Pharmacy at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital. In 1975 He moved to Sun City and joined the Pharmacy Departments of Boswell Hospital and Glendale Samaritan Hospital, working with both hospitals until 1982.

Phil was active in the community and belonged to many organizations. He was a charter member of Willowbrook United Methodist Church of Sun City, served as President of the Arizona Society of Hospital Pharmacists and was a Life Member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

With his loving wife of 68 years, he raised 3 children and was known best by his family as a kind, generous and intelligent man who liked to keep things simple. Phil and Joyce enjoyed sailing together and owned several sailboats that they kept in San Diego.

Phil is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Sun City, AZ, daughters, Claudia (Bruce) Gustafson of Glendale, AZ, Jeanne (Dave) Spice of Mesa, AZ, son, Fred (Suki) Edwards of Paradise Valley, AZ, grandchildren, Jake Gustafson, Brian Gustafson, Sally Edwards Brunski, Jonathan Edwards, Michael Paris and Courtney Spice Schrock, and 3 great grandchildren.

Phil requested a simple private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 and/or Sunshine Services, 9980 Santa Fe Dr., Sun City, Arizona 85351.