Eddie London

Eddie was born on November 25, 1934, in Patterson, Louisiana to Cecille C. Deon and Jessie London. At just four and a half years old, he traveled by train to Orange, Texas, to begin his education. He grew up in Orange, graduating from Wallace High School. A gifted singer, Eddie shared his talents as the lead soloist in the choir at Salem Methodist Church.

Eddie proudly served his country in the United States Army, entering active duty on June 2, 1953. He achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 and received an honorable discharge in 1956. Following his military service, he returned briefly to Orange before relocating to San Bernardino, California, where he lived with his brother, Ed.

A lifelong learner, Eddie pursued higher education with great dedication. He studied electronics at San Bernardino Valley College, earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of La Verne, and obtained his MBA from Pepperdine University. He enjoyed a successful career, working for Lockheed in Ontario and later serving the government a the Point Mugu Naval Base in Port Hueneme. He was also an entrepreneur who owned a donut shop in San Bernardino and worked servicing computers.

Eddie held his teaching credentials and shared his knowledge with others for 16 years as an adjunct professor. He was deeply committed to civil rights and community uplifts, serving honorably as the President of the N.A.A.C.P. across two counties. For 15 years, he was a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Lifestyles Recovery Inc., where he served as President, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer. He also dedicated his time there as an instructor helping youth facing drug and alcohol issues.

Eddie was an avid golfer who celebrated the ultimate achievement on the course with a certified Hole-In-One, proving his exceptional skill at the sport. He was also an active member of both Toastmasters and the Kiwanis of Paso Robles.

Eddie shared a deep and lasting love with his wife, Karolyn Lavonne London. The couple first wed on September 29, 1998, and joyfully renewed their vows and married again in 2003.

Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, Cecille Deon; his father, Jessie London; stepfather, Ray Deon; his brother, Edward J. London; his sister, Patricia Ann Deon; his bonus daughter, Trina Arthur; and his sister-in-law, Irene London.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Karolyn; his daughter, Lori Belinda London and her husband, Dave; his bonus son-in-law, Jeremy Arthur; his brother, Ray F. Deon; and his brother, Willie J. Deon and his wife, Lihua Wang. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jessica Kuntz; Nicole Kuntz and her husband, Johnny; his bonus grandchildren, Dresean Sutton, Loryn Malik, and Amber Malik; his nieces, Brianna Deon and Brittany Luckett; his nephews, A.J. Deon and Hongni Jin; and a host of extended family, friends and colleagues.