Edward M. "Papa" Forward

Edward M. Forward, 74, of Ceresco, Michigan died peacefully at home, after fighting a rare form of Lymphoma since November of 2021.

Ed was born July 18, 1947 in Battle Creek to Delbert James and Beatrice B. (Bussis) Forward. He was a 1965 graduate of Harper Creek High School and attended Kellogg Community College. Ed honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He began his career at Hanger Plumbing, became a Journeyman Plumber; and joined the Plumbers Union. He then owned and operated his own business, Forward Plumbing until retiring; and then continued to do some side jobs for a few years.

Ed met the love of his life, Linda Marie Kenyon in February 1978, it was "Love at First Sight" and they were united in marriage on September 2, 1978 in Battle Creek at First Congregational Church. Surviving is his wife Linda; two daughters, Jennifer M. (Andrew) Vander Laan of Swartz Creek, Amy L. (Benjamin) Swanholm of Tempe, AZ; grandchildren, Adelynn, Alexis and Alyssa Vander Laan, Rowan Swanholm and another Swanholm due in July; his sister, Linda A. Forward of East Lansing; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas M. Forward.

Ed was a member of UA Local 333 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union and the NRA. In his early years, Ed owned and raced his dragster at Martin Speedway. He loved the outdoors, and traveling and camping with his family. He and Linda found 30 waterfalls in the UP on one trip and talked about going to find hundreds of others. He enjoyed deer, bear, antelope and mule deer hunting, especially in the UP. He enjoyed fishing with his buddies. When his girls were growing up, Ed coached their basketball teams and was always in the stands cheering on his girls and coaching the referees. Ed will be remembered as "Papa" and for his Donald Duck impressions.

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A funeral service to celebrate Ed's life will be officiated by Rev. Scott Loughrige 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the funeral home. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by visiting: https://vimeo.com/688025553 or on the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Facebook Page. Military honors, committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Beatrice B. Forward Memorial Fund through the Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or at: https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1264.

Personal messages for the family or your favorite memory of Ed may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.