John Edward Diamond

Eddie was born on August 23, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA to John and Minnie Diamond (Green). After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in NE Philadelphia, Eddie volunteered to join the United States Marine Corps and serve his country in The Korean War. While in Korea Eddie was severely wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following an extensive and grueling rehabilitation and discharge from his beloved Marine Corps his spirit of service was stronger than ever and Eddie rose to the rank of Commander in the American Legion (Post 77) where his efforts created a legacy of service and charity that is legendary in the proud history of the American Legion.

After his discharge from the United States Marine Corps Eddie returned to his hometown where he graduated from La Salle College in Philadelphia, PA with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Eddie always yearned to return to the West Coast which he became familiar with while training for combat in Korea with the Marines. After meeting the his one and only love of his life Jean Jackson Osborne and marrying her in Philadelphia, Eddie made the difficult decision to leave his family behind and strike out for California. He built a successful Real Estate and Insurance Agency in Culver City, CA where he was known as the most honest and hard working guy in town.

Eddie’s move out West allowed him to do what he loved best. He spent his spare time traveling throughout the deserts and mountains of his new home. He loved sharing this time with his six children who he regaled with tales of The Old West and also mixed in with trivia and science lessons about Geological formations and local wildlife. Eddie was a teacher at heart and always was quick to share his knowledge with his children.

Upon the sale of his business and retirement in the mid 1990s Eddie continued his quest for all things Historical and spent many years traveling throughout the Southeastern United States studying the History of The Civil War. Eventually Eddie and Jean moved their home to Henderson, NV where Eddie discovered a knack for Video Poker and loved to prowl the Sportsbooks of Las Vegas watching College Football.

Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Jean Jackson Diamond (Osborne) of Henderson, NV and his Six Children: William Edward Diamond of Elk Grove, CA, John Joseph Diamond of Evergreen Park, IL, Geraldine Ann Diamond of Lompoc, CA, Robert Francis Diamond of Tacoma, WA, Kenneth Andrew Diamond of Fountain Valley, CA, and Mary Elizabeth Gallego of Montebello, CA. In addition Eddie was a proud grandfather to 13 grandkids.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to The American Legion.

A viewing will be held at 6 PM on Thursday January 9, 2014 at Palm Mortuary and Funeral Mass will be on Friday January 10, 2014 at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Henderson, NV