Edward was born July 17, 1932, at the Germantown Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother, Mathilda Elizabeth (Schweiss), immigrated to the United States in 1913 from Germany. His father, Oscar Brehme, was born to immigrant parents from Germany, Franz and Anna. He graduated from Jacksonville School of Technology in 1950 and joined the U.S. Navy right away.
Edward married Melvene (Davis) Reddish, then a young widow with eight children, in 1962, and the Navy soon moved them to California. He always said that Melvene was the best thing that ever happened to him in his lifetime, other than following Christ.
He served aboard several aircraft carriers as a parachute rigger, retiring as a chief petty officer. After 20+ years of serving in the Navy he worked as a mortgage broker and real estate agent, eventually managing an office of 50 other agents. In 2004, Edward and Melvene moved back to the South, to Jacksonville, Florida. Despite his Northern birth, he always loved the South and considered himself a “galvanized Yankee – a Southerner by choice.”
He is predeceased by his parents, sister Betty (Brehme) Thomas, niece Shelley, stepsons Rodger, Dennis and Donald Reddish, and his wife of 46 years, Melvene.
He is survived by his niece Karen, nephews Mark and Glenn, stepchildren Phil Reddish, Steve Reddish, Susan (Reddish) Ponton, Ken Reddish, Lori (Reddish) Knuteson, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Edward will be buried with military honors in Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida, at 10 a.m., May 13th, 2024. Following the service there will be a meal and gathering at VFW Post 3270, 915 8th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, FL. The family invites all to join them.
In lieu of flowers, Edward requested donations be made to the Salvation Army.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
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