Edgar L. Gress, 86, of Reinholds peacefully went home to the Lord on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Ephrata Community Hospital. Born in West Cocalico he was the son of the late Earl and Elsie (Leid) Gress. Edgar was the loving husband to his wife Beatrice (Sheaffer) Gress to whom he shared 62 years of marriage.
Edgar was a student of the Blainsport School House before going on later in life to join the Army where he served as a mechanic. After concluding his time in the military, he went on to work for Gehmans Feed Mill and later retired from Sico Fuel where he drove truck delivering fuel and oil. He was a member of Swamp Lutheran Evangelical Church, a former member of the Ephrata Amvets, and a former volunteer for the Reinholds Fire Company carnivals.
Edgar was an avid people person, everywhere he went he would run into someone he knew and strike up a conversation about ol’ times past. His younger years were filled with camping trips, car shows, annual beach trips to Wildwood NJ, and cabin trips which brought him joy and fulfillment most awarded by the fact they were time spent with his family. Edgar spent a great deal of time on local diner stools, sipping black coffee and talking with friends that became family.
Edgar was also known as an avid lawn caretaker. Nothing brought him more joy than mowing the yard with his beloved John Deere tractor, picking up sticks, or collecting leaves to make sure his yard was in pristine condition. His favorite reward to a day’s hard work in the yard was a homemade peanut butter egg mixed by his wife and hand rolled by him, a true vision of teamwork.
Edgar is survived by his wife Beatrice (Sheaffer) Gress of Reinholds, son Brian Gress of Reinholds, son-in-law Keith Swift of Reamstown, granddaughter Felicia Foster wife of Nathan Foster of Wernersville, and one great grandson who is on the way. In addition to his parents, Edgar is predeceased by his daughters, Melissa (Gress) Swift and Gale Gress; brother and sister-in-law Emory and Pat Gress; and sister Edith Gress.
A viewing was held on Monday Nov. 6 at Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Rd, Reinholds, followed by the funeral service. Interment followed at Swamp Cemetery, Reinholds.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Swamp Lutheran Evangelical Church of Reinholds.
www.goodfuneral.com.
