Edmond B. Stearman

Edmond Ballard Stearman, 102, of Tallahassee, FL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on July 3, 2022. Edmond was born September 28, 1919, in Atlanta, GA to Birdie Livingston Stearman and Marion Benson Stearman. He is survived by his brother John A. Stearman and preceded by his siblings Beatrice, Thelma, Thema, Mary, M.B, and Margaret.

Edmond married the love of his life, Emmie Elizabeth Hardy, June 9, 1939. They were married 66 years before her death May 5, 2005. They had five children, Lolita Segroves (Sonny), Gale Davis (Jerry), Benny Stearman (Bonnie Gomes), Becki Smith (Dan), and Scott Stearman (Marsha). He is survived by grandchildren Stacey Hall (Larry), Jon Segroves (Debra), Jeff Segroves (Nancy), Shawn Stearman, Becky Hamilton (Bob), Russell Davis, and Richard Davis, and Layla Cotton (Robby Presnell), eighteen great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear friend of many years, Lee Lee Arnold.

Edmond was preceded by his wife, Emmie, daughter, Lolita, grandchildren Ezra Stearman and Danielle Wolf, son-in-law Jerry Davis and great granddaughter Abby.

Edmond served in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Lenawee (The Leaping Lena) and made nine landings in the Pacific Theatre. He went through Amphibious training in the Hawaiian Islands and became a landing craft Coxswain with the Amphibious Forces. He arrived at Iwo Jima on D-Day and was responsible for landing the first wave of troops, the 5th Marine Division on shore at the base of Iwo Jima. Three days later he debarked himself to collect Marine casualties and take them back to the ship. He was on the beach at Iwo Jima when the first flag was raised on Mount Suribachi by his comrades and friends. After delivering the Marine casualties to Guam, he went to Okinawa to deliver troops and cargo to reinforce the invasion there. He also served on board and witnessed the Surrender Ceremony in Tokyo Bay. Edmond was honorably discharged with the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Two Bronze Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Navy Occupation Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

At 98 years of age his son, Scott, and granddaughter, Layla, fulfilled his lifelong dream to return to Iwo Jima and Mount Suribachi to pay tribute to the lives lost there. At 99 years of age, he was able to fulfill another lifelong dream and attend the Pearl Harbor Day service as an honored guest in Honolulu Hawaii. At 102 years of age Edmond took a Dream Flight in a Stearman biplane. He was a member of the Saul Bridges American Legion Post 13 and enjoyed many nights dancing there to the Tallahassee Swing Band.

The family would like to thank his two very dedicated caregivers, Maria Howard, and Catrina Prophet. He thought the world of both of them and they provided the best of care and compassion.

Gale, Benny, and Becki want to thank Layla and Scott for their dedication and the unwavering love and care they gave our Dad. He spent every day surrounded by their love and care.

Arrangements are being handled by Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and will take place on Sunday, July 10th, 2022. The Visitation will be from 12-2 pm with the Funeral Service to follow starting at 2pm, all taking place at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee, FL.

The Interment will take place at 3pm at Tallahassee Memory Gardens, 4037 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Edmond’s honor to the American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13. Address: 229 Lake Ella Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWoodFuneral.com for the Stearman family.