Edward "Mr. Ed" Essex

He was a member of Crossroads Christian Church where he was a member of the choir. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1954 and from Indiana State Teachers College (ISU) in 1958. He taught Industrial Arts at Lebanon Hugh School and F.J. Reitz High School. In 1980, he and his wife, Janet, bought a printing business and started Essex House Press. It was a glorious family business. This was an exciting time where his wife, son, daughter, and grandchildren were with Ed on a daily basis. They learned his sense of humor, love and compassion. Ed’s hobbies helped him continue teaching history. He was a Civil War and WWII living historian. It was a family affair also. He taught his son, grandson, and great-grandson the values of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Ed was a Cub Master and Scout Troop leader.

Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet Hess Essex; son, Eric (Roxanne) Essex; daughter, Stacey (Michael) Kelley; grandchildren, Kimberli (Doug) Balder, Jason (Robyn) Orth, Brittney (Doug) McColgin, and Sean Kelley; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Claire Balder and Colbie and Clive McColgin; and sister, Jane Ottinger.

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Saturday, September 13, 2014, at Crossroads Christian Church, 10800 W. Lincoln Ave., officiated by Rev. David Reinhart, with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle, IN. Friends may visit Saturday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.