Ed Pridgen passed away on June 15, 2018 in Nampa, Idaho, surrounded by his family. Ed was born on July 7, 1928 in Geneva, Alabama, to a sharecropper family as the third of seven children. In 1930, his family moved to Bonifay, Florida.
He left school in the eighth grade to help provide for his large family. He enjoyed his job driving a gravel truck for the county, which ended abruptly when they discovered he was only 15. After working as a deputy sheriff in his hometown, he joined the military at 17, which required his parents’ permission.
He joined the Army Air Corp in 1945 and transitioned into the Air Force in 1947. During his military career, he finished his education and served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served his country with integrity and honor for 22 years.
He married Phyllis Jean Rodes on February 26, 1954. He had no idea of the crazy adventures that awaited him over the next 64 years. They have three children – Mark, Blake and Jeannie.
Following his military retirement, he resided in Aurora, Colorado, where he worked in the construction industry and raised his family. He was a member of Aurora Church of the Nazarene, which later became Tower Community Fellowship. He loved and was loved by his church family of 55 years.
His prayers always expressed his love for God, his family, and his country. He was so grateful for the blessings God had bestowed on his life. Ed loved fishing, hunting, bowling, playing gin & dominos and, in later years, telling Phyllis how to drive.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We, his family and friends, will always be grateful for the high standards of integrity and commitment that he demonstrated to us in every aspect of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents and four of his siblings.
He is survived by his brother, Jimpsy Pridgen; his sister, Katherine Riley; his wife, Phyllis; two sons, Mark Pridgen, wife Ruth, and Blake Pridgen, wife Marilyn; daughter, Jeannie Pridgen; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hands of Hope Northwest in Nampa, Idaho. A Viewing and Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.
A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon Monday June 25, 2018 AT Bethel Church of the Nazarene, Nampa. A private family burial will proceed at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at www.
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