Edward Pinder Obituary

Edward G. Pinder, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully April 11, 2025 after a short illness. He was 89 years old.

Born Aug. 1, 1935, in Logansport, to Harold and Fay (Koenig) Pinder, Ed was the oldest of five boys. He spent his early years in Cass and Fulton counties, eventually settling in the town of Fulton, where he graduated high school as valedictorian and a standout athlete in every sport available at the time.

On Jan. 30, 1955, Ed married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Lora Ann Clemons, at the Perrysburg Baptist Church. Together, they shared 70 joyful years of marriage filled with laughter, family and countless adventures – including 20 memorable years of vacationing in Siesta Key, Fla., enjoying local restaurants and forming lifelong friendships.

A scholar and lifelong learner, Ed earned his bachelor's degree from Manchester College and later a master's degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

He began his teaching career at Kewanna High School, where he taught and coached basketball, baseball and track for seven years. He later taught at Culver Military Academy and Culver Community High School, where he continued to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.

In 1973, on a leap of faith, Ed and Lora purchased Pinder's Restaurant, creating a hub of community and connection where he worked alongside his parents, wife, children, grandchildren, nephews and countless others.

He retired from the restaurant in 2002 but remained active in community service through the Culver Town Council, Lions Club, and the United Methodist Thrift Shop.

Ed and Lora were faithful servants and active members of various local churches, always answering the call to share their time and Ed's beautiful singing voice wherever needed.

Above all, Ed's greatest passion was his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a mentor to many. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched – as a teacher, coach, employer and cherished friend.

Ed was an avid sports fan, and his love for the game extended to cheering on his favorite team since his 13th birthday – the Chicago Cubs. Remaining active, he enjoyed walking with his bride whether on the beach or around town, and playing games like Pinochle, Euchre, and dominoes with his siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He made sure to keep special treats on hand for the kids, always ready to share a moment of joy with his loved ones.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lora; his children, Julie Pinder-Richter (Paul) of Culver, Cheryl (James) Bruno of Doylestown, Pa., and Edward (Peggy) Pinder of Culver; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Pinder of Plymouth, brother-in-law, Ora (Anna) Clemons, Macy, and very special sister-in-law Geneva (John) Packard of Kalamazoo, Mich., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth Slocum, son-in-law Michael Slocum, and brothers Richard (Dick), Robert and David Pinder.

A private family burial was held at Culver Masonic Cemetery, with Pastors Tom Harzula and Geni Holmes officiating.

A celebration of Ed's life will be Aug. 1, 2025, at the Culver Lions Club Depot – on what would have been his 90th birthday. In true Pinder fashion, all are welcome and encouraged to attend and share stories and memories of a life well-lived.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartfire Church, Culver Lion's Club, or Emmanuel United Methodist Church, all of Culver.