Edward William Pridgen entered this world on March 10, 1947 destined to be a farm boy in the rolling fields of Afton, Iowa. He fulfilled the normal farm-boy duties of bailing and hauling hay, feeding and watering the animals and also participated in extracurricular activities like playing football and cruising while in high school. However, those aren’t the only antics Ed was known for — he carried quite the reputation for finding and managing mischief, of which you will only know if you knew him or of him!
After graduation and causing a stir in Afton, Ed joined the United States Army, where he trained and served as a mechanic in the 293rd Engineering Battalion in Baumholder, Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his military service Ed chose to reside in Creston, Iowa, where he met and later wed Judy Culver on September 20, 1969. Ed worked at various jobs, including the Highway Commission, but started his lifelong career with the BNSF Railroad.
During that time, Ed and Judy went on to rear 5 children and survive a BNSF transfer to Kansas City Missouri. There, Ed found his passion in horses and those wretched overalls! But mostly in the horses! He was often found at horse shows with his children and grandchildren, on trail rides or helping with benefit horse shows. He belonged to the Rayville and Polo Saddle clubs and enjoyed going on campouts and cooking over the fires with his cast iron. Ed volunteered in the local 4-H community assisting in Archery and Therapeutic Horsemanship and also hauled 4-wheelers and attended the races. He had a big heart and would help others whenever and wherever they asked! When invited, Ed enjoyed attending events with and for his children or grandchildren. Aside from the horse shows, he could be found at quad races, basketball games or dance recitals (albeit an uncomfortable environment for him).
Ed was also known for his nicknames for everyone. He never called them by their given name, he choose what name to give them and from that day on — that was how they were known. Ed wasn’t necessarily the endearing type, but he grew on you and grumbled at you and laughed with you all in the same span of time. He never knew a stranger, however, you would never know if he didn’t like you.
Ed Pridgen was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lois Pridgen; daughter, Tina Marie Pridgen; and grand-daughter, Aimee Noel Taranto.
On August 8, 2018, at 71 years of age, Ed left his legacy with his wife, Judy Pridgen, and his children, Mark Pridgen, Jolene Taranto, LeeJae Wansing, Kasey Pridgen and Breia Davis and their respective spouses,11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren and sister, Marlene Mullin.
Services for Ed will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Rock Falls Baptist Church in Orrick, Missouri. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. with services immediately following. The burial services, with military honors, will be at Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri at 2 p.m.
Our Sincere Condolences
Kasey,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dennis & Annie
Ed was one of a kind. Certainly enjoyed teaming up with him on 4-H events. He always led the best trail rides. Ever since riding with him we call any brush whacking ride an “Ed Pridgen” ride. One of my favorites to recall was riding at night in Wabonsie, Iowa, we didn’t intend to be out after dark but it happened fast in the forest. Ed said his mare had good eyesight and she would get us out. Of course we trusted Ed and his judgement, I was following a light grey almost white horse that I couldn’t see until it came to an abrupt halt. Ed was calling back from the front of the line, “anybody back there still on the trail?” His mare had taken a shortcut until she and Ed hit a tree! Remember the good times and cherish all of them. Needless to say he and the mare did get us back to camp.
Sandra (Sandy) Cox
