Lewis W. Ediger, 91, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully December 30, 2022, at Hospice House. He was born in 1931, the son of John and Martha (Kroeker) Ediger, of Hutchinson.
Lew graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1949, attended Juco, and then served in the weather division of the U.S. Navy. He loved to regale friends and family with anecdotes about his time spent in the Philippines, both on-base in Manila and off-base, playing semi-pro baseball throughout the region.
After his enlistment concluded, Lew attended Wichita State University, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering while also working at Cessna. After graduating, he returned to Hutchinson to work at Cessna for 12 years.
Work ethics were always important to Lew. Whether it was as a carhop at the root beer stand on Adams when he was 14, or helping his grandparents in Buhler every harvest season, he took the job seriously. An entrepreneur at heart, Lew was instrumental in starting several companies, including Ultra Van Motor Coach, Tiara Motor Homes, Belco, and eventually Collins Industries, where he retired as Vice President.
Lew had a great love for his hometown and its culture. He served 50 years on the NJCAA Committee, was a member of the American Legion for 68 years, served on the Fox Theater Board for nine years during the theater’s restoration, and after retirement, volunteered his time to SCORE, helping others to grow their small businesses.
Lew’s passion for restoring antique cars and doing genealogy research became not just hobbies, but a way of life. He could be found down at the “shop” in his NY Yankees hat, either covered in grease under a hood, chatting with friends who dropped by, or at the computer analyzing his family tree (and anyone else’s who asked).
Lew was a kind man who gave his children the life tools of logic, compassion for others, and a love of humor. He was equally quick with a witty remark or to lend an ear and give thoughtful advice.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 61 years, Julane (Smisor) Ediger of Hutchinson; daughter, Kathy Ediger-Torrence (Sam) of Hutchinson; son, Steven Ediger (Kelly) of Mission; and grandson, Jon of Dallas, TX.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Della Griffith; and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Elliott Mortuary, with military honors presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Private family burial will follow. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 11. The casket will remain closed.
Memorials may be made to American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.