Eugene “Gus” Edwards, 87, passed away unexpectedly at the Danbury Hospital on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Gus, better known to all as “Coach”, was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected mentor to countless youth.
Gus, born on March 1, 1934, in Danbury, CT, was the son of immigrant parents, Nicholas and Catherine Edwards. He spent his post-depression childhood in Georgetown, CT, where he learned the value of hard work, making do with what you have, and a job well done.
He was a 1952 graduate of Danbury High school where he lettered in three varsity sports, football, track, and baseball. Gus was the Captain of his football team during his senior year and set the record for the quarter mile. Gus then attended the University of Rhode Island, where he majored in Agricultural Studies, lettered in two sports – football and baseball - and served as a member of the ROTC.
Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and served a tour of duty in Germany. While in Germany he was quickly promoted, serving as Company Commander, and played on the division baseball team. Gus continued to proudly serve in the U.S. Army Reserves until retirement. He attained the rank of Full Colonel and was a graduate of the Army War College.
When he returned from Germany, he began his career as a teacher and coach at Danbury High School, attended graduate school at Fairfield University, and at the same time operated his own landscaping business.
During his teaching and coaching career, spanning over forty years, he started as a teacher and freshman football coach, later becoming a guidance counselor and head football coach. It was the perfect spot for him to help and mentor his students and teams. He led the DHS Hatters football team as its head coach for seventeen years, taking his teams to three FCIAC championship games, winning two titles. He instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of commitment and responsibility in his players and students. Gus also founded the DHS wrestling team. He later left coaching to watch his two sons play football in college. Most importantly, Coach cherished the life-long relationships and friendships that he maintained with his players and students.
His true love was working the land. He maintained a Christmas tree farm for many years, and expanded into vegetables, giant pumpkins, pussy willows, and blueberries. You could find him on the farm working the soil passing his knowledge on to his grandchildren. His life was filled with activity, love of his family and community, high expectations, and hard work.
Gus is survived by Elaine, his beloved wife of 62 years. His children: Robin and her partner, Dan; Gene and his wife, Jennifer; and Marty and his wife Lori. His grandchildren: Kyle, John, Alex, Mike, Annie, Christopher, and Brenden; and his cherished dog, Pumpkin.
A Graveside Service will be conducted at 11am on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Mountain View Cemetery, New Fairfield, CT. Those attending the service are required to wear facial covering and maintain social distance protocols. The service may be viewed virtually at www.thegreenfuneralhome.com. From the home page scroll to "Recent Obituaries" and click on Eugene Edwards' page, then select "Join Livestream". . Contributions in Gus' memory may be made to the Coach Gus Edwards Scholarship Fund, c/o Principal Dan Donovan, Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd., Danbury, CT 06811 (indicate Gus Edwards Scholarship in memo line).
The family asks that you pay Gus’ legacy forward by doing a kind deed for a young person.
To express your condolences on line, go to www.thegreenfuneralhome.com