Edwin G. Corwin, 98, of Urbana, Ohio passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in Hospice of Miami County.
Edwin was born on September 23, 1926, in Logan County to the late Emmitt and Dora Corwin.
Edwin’s devotion to service began with his six years of active duty in the U.S. Naval Air during World War II, where he served from 1944 to 1950. After his honorable discharge, he continued his commitment to the military by serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve for an extraordinary 35 years, retiring as a Chief Naval Officer in 1985.
Beyond his military career, Edwin’s contributions to public safety and service were equally impressive. He served in the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, where he earned the distinction of being the first recipient of the Highway Patrol Auxiliary Earl Ulmer Meritorious Award, recognizing his service above and beyond the call of duty.
Edwin was also a successful businessman and educator. He was the proud owner/operator of a furniture and appliance store in Urbana, and later, he enjoyed a long and successful career at Navistar International, where he retired as Industrial Engineering Manager. Edwin was a lifelong learner, having graduated from Bellefontaine High School earned both a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University and a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University.
In addition to his business and military accomplishments, Edwin was deeply involved in local education and community service. He served for eight years on the Graham High School Board of Education and taught Business classes at Urbana University, where he helped launch Channel 13 local broadcasting during his tenure. Edwin’s involvement in local organizations extended to his work with the American Red Cross, where he was a board member, and with the Champaign County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), where he served as Director. He was also Chairman of the Supervisory Audit Committee for Grimes Credit Union and held positions as Chairman of the Homeland Security Champaign County Citizens Corps Council and Trustee for Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI).
Edwin’s dedication to mental health and family services was evident through his role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Ben-El Child & Family Mental Health Services. He was also a Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Churches, and he held memberships in the VFW, American Legion, and Lions Clubs International.
Throughout his life, Edwin was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known for his compassion, guidance, and strong sense of family. He touched the lives of many, and his legacy of service, dedication, and love for others will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Edwin is survived by his sons, Ed (Bella) Corwin II, Bob (Ruth Jones) Little; daughters, Debra (Norman) Wright, Valerie (Gary) Laughman; grandchildren, Carla (Toris) Compton, Vanessa Marich, Gary (Lydia) Laughman II, Marcus (Jordann) Laughman, Allison Corwin, Kathryn Corwin, Kristen Thompson; Aaron Thompson; Justin Thompson; Kyle Porter, Natalie Cochran; and great grandchildren, Shamar, Lily, Wren, Gary III.
Edwin is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia “Pat” Corwin.
The family would like to express special thanks to Ed’s Caregiver, Debra Smith-Mattan.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 – 6 PM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.
Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the Terre Haute Community church with Reverend Herman Dick officiating.
Burial will follow in Terre Haute Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Terre Haute Community Church, Terre Haute Community Church or to Ohio’s Hospice, 324 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, OH 45420.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.