Everett Clinton Edwards Jr.

Everett Clinton Edwards Jr., a longtime Camarillo resident and an Army Air Corps pilot in World War II, made his final flight October 5, 2014. A life full of interests and activities, "Lum" Edwards headed the annual Camarillo Christmas Parade for years. He loved music and he encouraged high school bands from all over California to be a part of the very successful yearly event.

Lum had a distinguished career as a "Hump Pilot", flying the Curtis-46 from India over the Himalayas to China. Flying in some of the worst weather with high winds, snow and ice, he recalled encountering Japanese Zeros, which, thankfully never used his planes as a target.

Tom Brokaw, in his book "The Greatest Generation," said that if it wasn't for the "Hump Pilot" flying those supplies in horrific weather conditions from India to China, the outcome of the war might have been a different story.

After the war, he continued his love of flying with Trans World Airlines TWA as a career Captain for 36 years, retiring in 1980. He and his beloved wife Anne Elizabeth (Bette), who passed away in 2006, traveled the world extensively, visiting more than 90 countries. They met when she was a TWA Hostess aboard one his flights.

When he wasn't flying, he also spent his extra time pursuing his love of golf and was a member of Las Posas Country club for 50 years. Lum was able to perfect his skills enough to achieve five hole-in-ones and shot his age twice, a rarity in the game of golf.

Born July 11, 1920, at the family home on Rose Street in Springfield, Ohio, he was the son of Everett Clinton Edwards Sr. and Ruth Juanita (Cripps) Edwards, Lum is described by those who knew and loved him as a leader, a man of dignity. In his long years in Camarillo, he loved to organize events and was active in Rotary, President of the Retired Pilots Association and a member of QB's (Quiet Birdmen-Secret Society of Aviators.) Later in his life Lum was particularly proud to be a docent at the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA. He delighted in giving tours of Air Force One, a Boeing 707, the very same aircraft he logged over 11,000 hours of flight time on. Shortly before his death, the Reagan Library inducted Lum as a Docent Emeritus. It was one of his proudest moments.

He was preceded in death by his much-loved wife, Bette and his beloved granddaughter, Katee Edwards.

He is survived by his son, Steven Edwards (Joy) of Florida; daughter, Patricia (Blake) Hyfield of Cambria and their children, Ryan, Devin (Dara) and Cassandra; daughter Pamela (John) Hinck of Walnut Creek, and their children, Jacob (Stephanie) and Spencer; son, Douglas (Henke) Edwards of Ojai and their children, Douglas Jr. and Brittany (Beau) Mckelvy; son, Donald (Cheree) Edwards of Ojai and their children, Clinton (Rozanne) and Shannon; great-grandchildren, Sayer, Brayden, Aubree and Maddison.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 12, 2014, 4:00 p.m., at the Camarillo United Methodist Church, where Lum was a member. Located at 291 Anacapa Drive, Camarillo, CA.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Lum's memory to the Ronald Reagan Library Foundation.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.