Edward Madison Loring Jr., 89, of Sheridan, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He was born August 26, 1927 in Douglas County, Missouri to Edward Madison Sr. and Mary (Sharp) Loring.
At the age of 12, Ed attended the “School of the Ozark’s” High School, a private high school where he worked and lived at the school and learned his life’s trade of printing. He worked at numerous newspapers around the country.
He served in the U.S. Army and worked as a heavy truck driver in Alaska building airstrips. He was in the 813th Engineering Aviation Battalion in Alaska. Ed was particularly proud that he was chosen for the World War II Honor Flight to Washington DC in May of 2011.
Ed and Nina Roper were married on February 28, 1950. In 1963, they moved to Sheridan where he started working for the Sheridan Press. He was a production manager for many years until starting Ed’s Print Shop, which evolved into Ed’s Printing Co., Inc. on Grinnell St. He retired in 1990.
Ed was a member of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge #8. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, wood carving, and making whirligigs. Ed was famous for his “diamond willow” walking sticks. He loved to joke with people and was a wonderful husband and father.
He is survived by his wife, Nina of nearly 67 years; his son, Robert M. (Gayle) Loring of Sheridan; his daughter Cynthia J. (Dale) Buckley of Gillette; four grandchildren, Lance Loring, Noah Buckley, Jonah Buckley and Lucas Buckley; and four great grandchildren, Madison Loring, Mira Loring, Declan Buckley and Beatrice Buckley.
A visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Champion Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 am Friday, February 24, 2017 at First Assembly of God Church, 1045 Lewis St. in Sheridan, with Pastor Jay Littlefield officiating. Interment will follow at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery in the Masonic Square Section with military honors. A reception will be held following the burial at First Assembly of God Church. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.