Edward Lawrence Moon

A big smile, a joyous chuckle, or a happy wave and shout may be how you know him. A shy, wonderfully charming man who did not wish to trouble or impose on anyone, yet was someone who would provide help and support if he became aware of a need, especially those of children, animals and disabled veterans.

I know and love him as big brother.

Serving our country from 1951-1971, Edward was injured in both Korea and Vietnam. Effects of a land mine explosion in Vietnam while an American advisor ended his twenty year military career; he fought the injuries for months in hospitals in Japan, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. But he lived! Edward's military honors include two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf clusters; Silver Star; two Combat Infantryman Badges, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf cluster; Vietnam campaign medal; Good Conduct medals with four loops; Vietnam Service Medal with a "V" device; three o/s bars; Motor Vehicle Badge; Expert (rifle); Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; United Nations Service Medal; and the National Defense Service Medal. Edward attained the rank of 1st Sgt. (E8).

In May, 1958, Edward was graduated from the Seventh Army Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy at Munich, Germany. He was Communications NCO of Company A, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Later Training at the Presidio, Monterey, California: Vietnamese Language, Military Justice and Non-Judicial Military Justice.

Duty Stations in the United States include: Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort George Meade, Maryland; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Lee, Virginia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Hamilton, New York; and Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

Edward’s retirement was “After 20 but less and 30 years of active Federal Service” (20 yrs, 2 mos, 5 days).

He and his wife Anna, whom he met along with. "Dips" while serving in the U. S. Army in Germany, arrived in 1970 to make their home in Live Oak, Texas. They volunteered at Live Oak Humane Society, spending decades in animal rescue efforts. For years Edward was the personal assistant to a manager of a home improvement store in San Antonio. He later drove a school bus for the Judson School District, a good job for a man with hearing loss. Anna knitted, crocheted, worked in the retail industry, and painted beautiful scenes for us all.

At Christmas, Anna baked a variety of cookies; Edward delivered a plate full to each neighbor.

She was also a very talented cook of German food, which was loved by her husband. After she passed away twenty five years ago, Edward remained in their home, living independently until recently. He had loved shopping at Fort Sam and Randolph; driving his car to various restaurants for meals; paying household bills, and visiting with friends.

After a twenty- three day hospitalization (he told them after two days he had to get out of there) that affected him adversely, Edward had help at home 24/7 for two months. As he was not thriving, some of his medical "team" recommended he might do well in a long term care near a relative (who could not compensate for his home and the friends left behind), But the trip was made and three weeks later, Edward was quietly dying. He was talking about one of our planned trips when his eyes closed. Had I been his team, I would have warned the family that his death was imminent. Had I been his team, I would not have sent him on a 300 mile journey in his condition. Had I been his team, I would have known at least one of the medicines prescribed was not survivable. Had I been his team, I would like to think I would not have been so indifferent to family requests to take him off the medicine.

Friends of Edward were always ready to help. "What do you need?" 'Just give a call and I'll be right there," as some were when he was taken to a local hospital, June 14, 2017. Sheldon, Katrina, Ben, Allison, Carolyn, Robert, Devin, Ken, Miranda, Sharon, Pammy, Vernon, Cristal, David II, Jean, Bea, Rudy; Bertha, Ted, Ellie, Edward, Travis, Anthony, Weylon, Deanna, David, Cathy and Ceil and restaurants that celebrated his 86th birthday with him last year: Denny's and Golden Corral!

Most people were kind to Edward: Judson tax ladies, water department employees; Speedy Cash, Jordan Ford, etc. I'm sorry I don't know all the names.

Personnel of the Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City said they would take care of everything and they have. Edward passed away at the Brain and Spine Specialty Hospital in Plano at 5:00 a.m. September 30, of a "devastating stroke." Mr. Hardy Henderson called Sunday evening to say Edward was in Universal City by 6: 10 p.m, October 1. Very professional, very compassionate. Everything they do must be incredibly difficult, but they do not mention their hardships.

Everyone to whom I've spoken at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Schertz has been so comforting. Father Ed Pavlicek visited Edward at the local hospital, he often prayed for him, and included his name on a prayer list and in an offered Mass. Now, we need the priest and the people again for Edward; they come without hesitation.

Our gratitude to all is immeasurable.

Edward was unselfish, energetic and happy.. He loved life, finding joy in simple things like a good cup of hot coffee. Saturday, September 23rd, he said "This is a beautiful day." I agreed it was.

He joins many loved ones gone before: Anna, parents and siblings, aunts and uncles, other family members and friends who welcome him to his eternal home.

Rest in peace, dear brother.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home. Services and burial with military honors will be Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 10:00 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #1 with Father Ed Pavlicek officiating and full military honors.

Please sign the guestbook at www. colonialuniversal.com