Edwin Charles Stern, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, passed peacefully from this life with family by his side on Saturday, January 26, in San Antonio following a short hospitalization. Ed lived life passionately and made a mark on all those with whom he came in contact. His congenial spirit and colorful stories will be missed by many and forgotten by few.
Born June 24, 1932 in Phillipsburg, Texas to Edwin Charles and Lydia Nordt Stern, he is survived by his wife Judy Willoughby Stern of San Antonio, sister Bernice Kolkhorst of Brenham, son Chuck Dev Stern of Austin, grandson Evan Stern of New York City, stepdaughter Stefany David Berry and their children Davis and Emma of Reno, stepdaughter Melissa Krueger of Schertz, numerous nieces, nephews and a world full of friends, including longtime buddy, Don Sitton of Corpus Christi. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gladys Pankonien, and his most precious daughter Christine Harper Stern.
An avid outdoorsman and fisherman, Ed was descended from early GermanTexan settlers and grew up on the family farm in the Phillipsburg community near Brenham. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg. Following graduation from Brenham High School, Ed proudly attended Texas AM College where he graduated in 1954 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Adjutant General Corps. Of all his many and significant accomplishments, Ed was especially proud of his military service. He served two years active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves, honorably discharged in 1964 with the rank of Captain.
Beginning at the Robstown Record newspaper, Ed embarked on a long career in communications. He spent many successful years in broadcasting, starting with a position at KZTV Television in Corpus Christi. In 1961 he joined KEYS Radio where he rapidly established his leadership credentials and soon became vice president and general manager. He also served as senior vice president of KZFM radio in Corpus Christi. Moving to Uvalde in 1983, Ed became vice president and general manager of KVOU AM FM Radio and KUVAFM Radio until leaving broadcasting in 1998. He completed his professional career with the Middle Rio Grande Workforce Commission, retiring in 2005.
Ed and Judy relocated to San Antonio in 2011, becoming residents of The Towers on Park Lane.
Ed was recognized as an active and contributing member of the communities he called home. In his professional and civic activities he served as president, Corpus Christi Better Business Bureau director, Corpus Christi Convention and Tourist Bureau Board of Governors, Driscoll Childrens Hospital president, Corpus Christi Advertising Federation and governor, 10th District American Advertising Federation AAF. Ed was the recipient of both the AAF Silver Medal and the prestigious AAF Sterling Service Award. He also served as vice president legislative affairs, Uvalde Chamber of Commerce director, Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau and president, Uvalde Bass Club.
The family expresses sincere thanks to the kind and compassionate staff of Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary in Uvalde, with Reverend Jerry Scott presiding.
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