Edward Andrew Loughmiller passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 85. Edward was born on October 25, 1938, to Everett Ross Loughmiller and Katherine Olive (Holvey) Loughmiller of Springfield, Illinois.
Ed graduated from the University of Illinois in 1961. He began his career as a teacher that same year and taught for 33 years in the Illinois public school system. Ed’s stories of his antics in the classroom could make anyone laugh, while also highlighting his dedication to his profession and his students.
Ed married Janet Musson right after high-school. Being a teacher was hard enough, but at the early age of 21 years, Ed and his wife, Janet, had four boys (under four!) to raise at home. Ed instilled a strong work ethic in his boys, sometimes working three jobs in a day. One son recalls that after a long day in the classroom, Ed would drive the bus and then come home to pack up the boys and he and Janet would take them to the bowling alley where he would work the evening shift.
Ed was a prolific pianist who entertained family and friends with songs, both new and old, on a baby grand piano. At the end of a hard day, Ed would play the piano and make things sound and feel just a little bit better.
After his boys were raised, Ed met and married a fellow teacher, Carolyn Groves, and helped to raise her two young children. Ed shared his love for music, commitment to education and his caring personality with them.
Ed was savvy at saving and investing and after an early retirement, Ed traded in his baby grand piano for an electric keyboard, heading west to travel in his Fifth Wheel and Motor home with his wife Carolyn. In retirement, Ed and Carolyn spent their summers volunteering in a national park campground in Colorado, before settling into their new home state of Arizona. Ed’s years in Arizona were filled with visits from family and friends, horseshoe games in the park and rousing games of Ponytail Canasta – if anyone dared to play against the Loughmillers. And Ed made sure to keep everyone in the Midwest updated on the current (sunny) weather conditions in Arizona all winter long!
Ed also found time to travel the world with Carolyn, with trips to Alaska, Mexico, Europe, China, Australia, and Africa. This was an amazing accomplishment for a man who hated flying. Ed and Carolyn’s love for music took them to the Caribbean for many gospel music cruises and if you were lucky enough to visit Ed and Carolyn after one of their big trips, you had the pleasure of seeing ALL of their trip photos in a slideshow.
Ed had simple tastes. For him, there was nothing better than a good hamburger and fries… Unless you add an extra piece of dessert. For birthdays it was meatloaf and mashed potatoes. His evenings often involved eating sweets and watching Gunsmoke.
In 2023, Ed moved to McKinney, Texas to be closer to family. Throughout the past year, Ed spent time with his kids, their wives, and many other family members. Recently, the wedding of his granddaughter, Chelsea, provided the perfect opportunity to get the Loughmiller crew together, and it filled his heart to see his boys all in one place—the first time in many years!
Ed cherished his roles as a husband, father and stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His love and warmth filled the lives of his family and friends, leaving behind beautiful memories that will be cherished forever. Edward Andrew Loughmiller's legacy of music, adventure, faith, and love will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who loved him.
Ed is survived by his sons, Mark Loughmiller and wife, Kelly of Arcata, California, Eric Loughmiller and wife, Dee of Naperville, Illinois, Brian Loughmiller and wife, Donna of McKinney, Texas, and Ross Loughmiller and wife, Sandra of Tulsa, Oklahoma; stepson, Garrett Groves of Wood River, Illinois; stepdaughter, Michelle Groves Baker and husband, Alan of Springfield, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Cassandra, Chelsea, Reece, Cameron, Nicki, Chad, Audrey, Blake, Brandon and Grayson; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Fagan of Florissant, Missouri; and a host of other loving family members and cherished friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Loughmiller, and his parents.
A memorial and celebration of life will take place at later date.
Donna and Brian Loughmiller