Edward James Constance

On June 21, 2023 Edward James Constance was freed of his earthly ties to join his love, Lynne, in the glory and respite of the afterlife. While he would seldom admit to any suffering the last few years, the joy of his reunion with Lynne, son, Chris, and daughter, Ellen, should fill all our hearts with peace.

Whether you knew him as Big Ed or Fast Ed (depending on which of his kids was your friend) his presence was felt the same by all. His spirited conversation and boisterous laugh filled the room. And you may have had to weather some jokes at your expense, but you always knew that was his way of showing you he liked you.

He was a vanishing breed of gentlemen, with his perfectly pressed handkerchiefs. But more so, his wisdom, warmth, and charisma, turning his caregivers into caring friends. Speaking of friends, he and Lynne had many, a testament to their spirit and the love they had to share.

Ed was born in St. Louis, MO on January 17,  1943 and grew up in the Signal Hill neighborhood. After several moves throughout his life, he ended up back in Signal Hill, in his cherished home on Julia Place. Home was always the main theme in Ed and Lynne’s life. The beautiful home they created became the roots for their family, allowing them to soar but always return with a soft place to land. He played football at Millikin University and was a graduate of SIUE, and spent most of his career as a traveling salesman for 3M. He spent a lot of time in Kearney, Nebraska, a little known place where coincidently, his grandson would one day live and play hockey. He also worked at Schiller Camera for a time, fulfilling his interest in technology and helping people. He spent much of his free time building computers in his beloved basement man cave. And fixing things. He could fix anything!

He was preceded in death by:

The love of his life: Carol “Lynne” Constance, who he steadfastly cared for toward the end of her life. Also, son, Christopher Constance, and daughter, Ellen Constance, who both left too soon. Parents, William B. and Margaret “Mike”, nee Higgins, Constance and a sister, Katie Dees.

Surviving are his:

• Children
  • Jeffrey (Lisa) Constance
  • Sarah (Darren) Gebhart
• Grandchildren
  • Hannah, Edward, and Seth Constance
  • Grace and Sam Gebhart
  • Vincent Cook
• Brother: Mike (Susan) Constance
• Sister: Maureen (Brad) Dunck
• Dear nieces and nephews
• Countless friends

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research or American Cancer Society.

Visitation: Visitation from 3:00- 7:00 pm, Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, June 26, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Bill Pierce officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Belleville, IL.