Edward A. Partridge

Edward Albert Partridge “Ed”August 16, 1930 – February 3, 2020The oldest son of John Nathaniel Partridge and Lila Donahue Partridge, Edward Albert Partridge grew up in Orlando, Florida during the Great Depression and World War II. He had 5 brothers and sisters, and growing up in these trying times, Ed spent a great deal of his life living with his Aunt Fannie. Always a conscientious and hard worker, whether selling newspapers or working around the neighborhood, Ed developed the drive and tenacity to turn his dreams into goals. After graduating from Orlando High School, Ed started classes at the Orlando Junior College (now Lake Highland Prep) and took a job at a local bank. He joined the ROTC program at the college, where he was persuaded by ROTC leadership to pursue an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. At that time, one appointment for Florida applicants was available by taking a test administered in St. Augustine. Ed received the appointment, having been the highest scoring applicant. Ed graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1954, and began his training in the United States Army in the Armored Division as a tank company commander. While training at Fort Knox Kentucky, he met, fell in love with, and married Judith Shumate (Judy). His assignment in Germany during the 1950s allowed Ed and Judy to visit many sites in Europe, enjoying camping, sightseeing, and various cultural activities and events.Returning stateside, Ed and Judy welcomed their first daughter Kathryn Leah to the family. Shortly thereafter, Ed started his civilian working life in management in the Kroger grocery store organization, moving frequently for the company. Ed and Judy welcomed daughter Karen Melissa to the family while working for Kroger.Ed began a new career in 1963 that offered the challenge which perfectly suited his intelligence and personal skills. Ed created a sales territory in Ohio for a surgical instruments company, Edward Weck & Co. When the territory opportunity in Florida became available, Ed came back to Florida and enjoyed a profitable and rewarding career working from his home in Winter Haven. Ed retired officially in 1991, but starting in 1990 and for the next fourteen years, Ed and Judy toured every state in the U.S., as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. He volunteered in several ministries in Polk county and was especially fond of Project Love in Eloise, Florida, serving for seventeen years.Ed is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Judith Shumate Partridge; his daughters Kathryn Lockhart (Billy) and Karen Weatherford (Doug); grandsons Josh Lockhart (Jessica), Jared Lockhart (Chalsey), Brent Weatherford and Steven Weatherford; four great grandchildren; his sisters Ruth Shepherd and Sara Ann Harkey. Ed was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Lewandowski and brothers John N. Partridge, Jr. and Waring Partridge. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, please consider donations to PROJECT LOVE, c/o Eugenia Barton, P.O. Box 2285, Eagle Lake , FL 33839. E-Mail: [email protected]