Roger Edens

Roger Dawson Edens, 91, longtime Waco businessman and Baylor supporter, passed away Monday, January 30, 2006, at a local care facility.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at the Lake Shore Baptist Church, 5801 Bishop. The Rev. Dorisanne Cooper and the Rev. Sharlande Sledge will officiate. Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque.

Born in Bellmead, Mr. Edens lived in Waco all of his life except for several years with the Baytown Ordnance Works during World War II following his 1940 graduation from Baylor University.

On July 3, 1941, he married the former Louise (Penny) Pennington. Returning to Waco to work at Owens-Illinois Glass Plant, he soon purchased the White Pharmacy and then joined his father-in-law, J.C. Pennington, as owners of Baylor Drug. He retired after selling his business in 1981. Mr. Edens and the Baylor Drug were well-known to students before 1981 when it was torn down, serving as a gathering place before the Union Building was erected in 1946.

Mr. Edens was an ardent supporter of Baylor. While in school he served as president of the Esquire Club and worked in advertising for the Baylor Press.

Since graduation he served as president of the Baylor Alumni Association in 1983-84 and was still on the executive board. He was treasurer of that association for over 25 years and was named Treasurer Emeritus. For 33 years he organized and presented the Cabaret Show for Baylor Homecoming. He was the recipient of the W.R. White Meritorious Award in 1980, was name Honorary Director of the Baylor Golden Wave Band, was given the Baylor Appreciation "Bear" in 1981, was on the board of directors of the Baylor-Waco Foundation, and served as president of the old Waco Quarterback Club. He and his wife served as co-presidents of Heritage Club in 1995-1996.

In the community, Mr. Edens led in building the original Southern Little League Ball Park and coached for five years. For several years he was presiding judge of the 21st Electoral District of McLennan County.

He was Past Master and life member of the Baylor Masonic Lodge, being honored on his 50th anniversary in 1999. For several years he was a member of the E.A.O.C. executive board and a commissioner with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a charter member and deacon of Lake Shore Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Penny, in 2003; daughter-in-law, Virginia Edens, and grandson, Michael Walsh.

He is survived by two sons, John Edens of Phoenix, Az., and David Edens and wife, Scherry of Keller; daughter, Penny Ann Parker of Waco; grandchildren, Roger Edens and wife, Kellie, Brent Edens, David Edens and wife, Julie, and Erik Edens; and great-grandchildren, Alexis Edens and Leonard Edens.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.