Edward C. Redmon

Edward Charles Redmon, Topeka, Kansas, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

Edward was born April 26, 1927, in Delia, KS. To Homer and Mary (O'Connor) Redmon. Edward attended the Jackson County Country School, Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska for 2 years and Emmett High School in Emmett, Kansas. In 1944, at the young age of 17, he quit school and enlisted in the US Navy where he earned his high school diploma. He then was based in Guam where he operated heavy machinery and served on troop transport ships throughout the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He then came home to Kansas before joining the Fire Department and worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Edward met the love of his life, Bonnie Golden, who he married on May 29, 1947.

He was a World War II veteran, Worthy Patron of Eastern Star, retired Topeka firefighter, retired Topeka Fire Chief, and retired Kansas State Fire Marshal who was appointed and served under Governors Robert Bennett 1975-1979, John Carlin 1979-1987, Mike Hayden 1987-1991 and Joan Finney 1991-1995.

Edward's dedication to the Topeka Fire Department and his fellow Kansas Firefighters was demonstrated by his serving in the Kansas State Legislature for many years as a lobbyist. This was an extension of his love for the Fire Service both in Topeka and in the State of Kansas. Edward's desire was always to make things "bigger and better" and demonstrated that by his tireless work upgrading equipment and training the men and women of the department who he loved like his own family. Edward's passion was visiting and lobbying for the firefighters in every Fire Department in the State. Edward was an active participant in the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Missouri Valley Association of Fire Chiefs, Kansas State Fire Chiefs Association, and the Kansas State Council of Firefighters (lobbyist).

He was a faithful member of Gage Park Baptist Church for many years. He held various positions, but his most treasured was cooking, being a handyman to anyone in need and being a door greeter where he shook everyone's hand, gave them a smile, and welcomed them when they entered.

Edward is survived by his son Jimmy (Shirley) Redmon, his four grandchildren: Rebecca (Matthew) Voyles, Christopher (Lindy) Redmon, Heather (Dan) Makin, Caitlyn Redmon, seven great-grandchildren: Hannah, Joshua, and Sarah Voyles, Lucas Redmon, Christian and Steven Chambers and Hunter Makin who all "adored" their Grandpa Redmon, especially his "potato soup" which he always had ready when we all visited. He is also survived by brothers, Theron Redmon, Gene Redmon, Billy Redmon, and sister Annie Lou Lahey, in-laws Louise Redmon, James and Madeline Golden, Leota Golden, Carolyn Golden, Dick and Delores (Golden) Borough, Ruby (Golden) Trahoon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Bonnie Redmon, his wife of 69 years, his parents, stepmother Mary (Carmichael) Redmon; a granddaughter Lauren "Gidget" (Redmon) Vanderford, sisters Mary Ann (Redmon) Bryant, Monica (Redmon) Olson, Margaret (Redmon) Ballard and brothers Lloyd Redmon, Donald Redmon, Carl Redmon, Lee Redmon, and John Redmon, in-laws Lonnie Golden, Carl Golden, Gene Golden, and Rolland Trahoon and Dorothy Redmon.

Edward's family would like to recognize and thank his niece, Barb Brant, for the help and care she gave him, and would also like to thank his nephew Mark Golden, who would come anytime Edward needed him.

Edward Redmon was one of the reasons it was called "The Greatest Generation". We are blessed to call him family. May you rest in peace "Grandpa Redmon". We will always appreciate all you did for us. We love you and will always miss you!

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the Arab Shrine Temple, 1305 S. Kanas Avenue, Topeka.

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