L. Edward Walsh

Leo Edward Walsh of Urbana, born April 29, 1944, in Charleston, South Carolina, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Affectionately known as Ed, he leaves a legacy of humor, wisdom, and inspiration. Ed was a beloved figure in Bement during the mid to late 90s, where he coached football and baseball, influencing many young lives with his guidance and advice.

Ed’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. He was a four-year member of the Fighting Illinois Football team that went on to win the Rose Bowl in 1964. While at the university, Ed was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army ROTC Program and, upon graduation, became an active member of the U.S. military, serving eleven years. His tours of duty included Germany and South Vietnam, where he served as the navigator on reconnaissance missions throughout S.Vietnam and surrounding conflict areas. His adventures didn’t stop there. Ed was a member of Mensa who dabbled in Hollywood, contributing to movies and beloved cartoons like My Little Pony and The Transformers. Ed was also a prolific writer who authored three children’s and one adult humor book.

Despite living in many places, from Germany to Los Angeles, Illinois was always home. After his military service and the Hollywood lights, Ed returned to Illinois to care for his mother, who was battling Alzheimer’s. She is the one who gave Ed the love for the Chicago Cubs. Ed spent ten enjoyable years reading the Piatt County Journal and Vermilion County News for the Illinois Radio Reader, a free U of I service for the reading impaired. He also spent many glorious days at the “Orange and Blue” golf course in Savoy, either pounding the ball with friends or volunteering as a ranger or starter. Outside of work, he truly enjoyed sports and volunteering for the Valero Texas Open each year. When Ed wasn’t in front of the TV watching his favorite teams, you could often find him outside watching birds and squirrels in his backyard.

He leaves behind his wife Carm (Magsamen) Walsh, Urbana; three daughters: Christa Geraghty (Jack) of Westland, MI; Heather Swindall (Clint) of San Antonio, TX; and Nina Truitt (Sean) of Parkville, MD; four brothers, Jack Walsh, Champaign; Pat Walsh, Champaign; Bruce Walsh, Gettysburg, PA; and Tom Walsh, Monticello, and two sisters, Joann Walsh Calimer, Rutherfordton, NC, and Debra Walsh Short, Philo, seven granddaughters, five grandsons; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Geneva (Rhoades) Walsh, a grandson, Brandon “Bubba” Geraghty, and a nephew, C.J. Snyder.

Visitation will be at 9 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 708 West Main Street in Urbana. The burial will be held at a later date.

Ed’s articulate nature, sense of humor, and incredible life story will continue to inspire and bring smiles to those fortunate to have crossed paths with him. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First Tee organization in San Antonio or Illinois Radio Reader (in Ed’s name) at https://will.illinois.edu/illinoisradioreader or by mail at Illinois Radio Reader. 300 N Goodwin St., Urbana, IL 61801.