Edwin E. (“Ed”) Ham. Sr.

Life’s Reflections of Edwin Eugene Ham, Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Edwin Eugene Ham, Sr. affectionally known as “Ed” who passed away at 74 on Thursday, April 27th, 2023.  

Edwin was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia on November 11, 1949. Ed was raised in Java, Virginia by his Grandmother during his younger years. He then moved to Salem and remained there through high school.

After graduating from Andrew Lewis High School in 1968, he served his country by joining the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. After serving honorably, Ed moved to Michigan City in 1975 and worked at Bethlehem Steel/ArcelorMittal Steel in Gary, Indiana until he retired after 40 years of service.

He is survived by his fiance, Casaundra Walker, his son Edwin Ham, Jr.; his daughter Radiance M. Ham, his sister Janet Saunders-Ware, and brother Barry Saunders; great grandmother, Matilda Smith, Aunt Janette Smith and uncle, Paul Tinsley; stepchildren LaKisha Walker, TeVaughna Walker and Kyla Walker and his special furry son “Cody”; special friends, Bob Simmons, Luther Wade and Myron Mitchell; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Edwin is preceded in death by his mother Helen Saunders and father, William Saunders.

Ed had a passion for travel, visiting places like Germany, Amsterdam, Paris, and the French Riviera.  His easy-going nature made friends, family, and strangers alike feel right at home. Ed loved to tell a good story and his laugh was infectious. He was always the unofficial / official photographer at any and every gathering he attended and had a vinyl record collection that would make any music enthusiast green with envy. He was also the Treasurer of the Indiana Black Expo, NAACP member, Member of the VFW’s. 

Ed was able to enjoy his retirement, too. He was very active and enjoyed bowling, playing golf and experimenting cooking new dishes from time to time. Every morning Ed and his buddy, Cody (his dog, an adorable Yorkie) would drive to get the daily issue of the News Dispatch. Even in 2023 he refused to read the paper from a tablet, he had to have the real thing. He also looked forward to catching life-long friends every week over breakfast or a few rounds of Bid Whist.  

Ed will be missed by all that knew him and loved him.

He peacefully transitioned  on April 27, 2023 at Franciscan Health.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 2:00pm at Pleasant Hill MBC with visitation from 1:00pm until the time of service at the church.

Burial will take place in Virginia. 

Please keep the family and friends in your prayers. 
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwin E. (“Ed”) Ham. Sr., please visit our floral store.