"Sandy" Edsel Chester French

Edsel Chester French was born April 4, 1951 in St. Louis, Missouri to Edsel G. and Nelly “Vernice” (Stout) French. He was known to many as Sandy and grew up in Irondale, Missouri. Sandy was united in marriage to Laurie and to this union blessed with five children: Tracie, Debbie, Tonya, Dawn, Jessica, and Robert. He was a loving and caring father who took great pride in supporting his family. Sandy was a dedicated Oats Driver for many years. He truly enjoyed driving and getting to know his passengers. Sandy loved keeping himself busy and often tinkered on cars. He looked for deals on homes and spent days fixing them and later flipping them. Sandy was blessed with many wonderful grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He cherished spending time with them and treasured the memories they made together. Sandy enjoyed spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed perch fishing in the local ponds and creeks. He was a man of many interests and activities, but most important to him was his family. Sandy departed this life December 9, 2022 at his home in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-one years. He is survived by his loving daughters: Tracie French of Salem, MO, Debbie Slater of Bunker, MO, Tonya Bockhoff of Sullivan, MO, Dawn Breeding and husband Dewayne of Salem, MO, and Jessica French of Sullivan, MO; Mother of his children: Laurie French of Sullivan, MO; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Preceding him in death, son: Robert French; granddaughter: Amber Mathis; parents: Edsel and Vernice French; and sisters: Brenda Burke and Linda Adams. Memories of Sandy will live on in the lives of those who loved him most. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Funeral Services for “Sandy” Edsel Chester French were held Wednesday, December 14, 2022 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Song selections played were “Angel”, “Drowning”, “How Do I Say Goodbye”, and “You Can Let Go”. Serving as Pallbearers were Cody Ford, Travis Ford, Robert Slater, Dalton Durham, Josh Hylton, and Dewayne Breeding. Honorary Pallbearer was Ryan Brown. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

"Sandy" Edsel Chester French

April 4, 1951 - December 9, 2022