Earl Stewart Edmonson, died just two months shy of his 70th birthday. He passed away peacefully in his Tucson home on Sunday evening April 30th 2023, after his ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. His loving wife Terri and daughter Rebecca were by his side.
Born, the third son of Dorothy Edmonson Saravia and Earloyde Edmonson, June 23 1953 in Tucson, AZ - Earl created a lifetime of eclectic memories with brilliant friends and fans alike. He blossomed into a prolific musician, ever since his brother Chris taught him his first guitar chords when the family lived in Houston, TX. Earl’s love of Southwest culture, music, and surfing followed him from home to home, as he found happiness whenever near the ocean or in a bluegrass jam session.
“I feel very privileged to have lived a life inside of the music” (Earl Edmonson, April 10th, 2023). The Edmonson family is an enviable bunch - full of wit, adventure, scholarly success, and most notably - music. Earl embodies all of the above. Of his many achievements, Earl won the fingerpicking contest at the 1991 Telluride Bluegrass festival. This earned him a Larrivee guitar that matched his beautiful singing voice throughout his storied career. The same year, he joined the Titan Valley Warheads band and entertained thousands of people from historic steakhouses to festival main stages, over the course of 30 years. He was a founding member of the Tucson Folk Festival, which is now one of the longest-running, free folk music festivals in the country.
“Have many adventures. Love fearlessly” (Earl Edmonson, April 23rd, 2023). As a curious and brilliant man, his interests ran wide and deep. This is best exemplified by the range of his academic career, from a Bachelor’s in Marine Biology to his Master’s degree in Spanish Literature. With his profound knowledge of Spanish language and Latin American culture, he was able to connect with folks from every walk of life on his frequent trips to Mexico.
Earl is survived by his wife Terri, daughter Rebecca, and siblings: Chris, Lee, Judy, and Suzy. His wry wit and entertaining spirit will live on in their hearts. The notable twinkle in his eye is now shining above us, and his signature smile will continue to emphasize every charismatic moment remembered in his name.
Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service for Earl Edmonson. It will be held on Saturday May 13th at 2:00 pm, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ. Memorial donations can be made to Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, KXCI, or Tucson Community Food Bank.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eastlawnpalmsmortuary.com for the Edmonson family.
