Edwin F. Commons

Funeral services and viewing for Edwin F. Commons, 95, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 10:00 a.m with services at 11:00. on May 9, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Lawrence, 1000 Kentucky St. A burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. Edwin passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Kelly House in Meriden, KS.

Edwin was born on December 22, 1930, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Phillip and Mildred (Day) Commons.

He married Vivian E. Skinner on May 29, 1951, in Berryville, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2023. Ed and Vivian began their life together with a memorable honeymoon at the Indianapolis 500 in 1951—just one of many adventures they would share over 72 years of marriage. Later that August, Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a cook during the Korean War for two years at Camp Chaffee Arkansas.

In 1954, they moved to Houston, Texas, to be near Vivian’s sister Betty. The following year, Ed contracted polio but made a remarkable recovery without lasting effects. In 1957, they settled back in Lawrence, Kansas, where he worked at the Hercules Powder Plant before beginning his long career with FMC, retiring in 1995.

Ed found great joy in his many hobbies. He loved skiing, a passion he shared with Vivian until his retirement, after which they turned their attention to travel. Together, they explored Europe over several years and enjoyed a memorable Alaskan cruise. At home, Ed enjoyed woodworking, refinishing antiques, and tending to the yard and their many gardens. He also loved cooking and, alongside Vivian, became known for their exceptional hospitality. Family and friends were always welcomed with abundant meals, and the grandchildren especially cherished the desserts, fresh berries, and endless homemade ice cream.

With his sons, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, and building projects. He and his boys began construction on their family home in 1962, completing it in 1970. In later years, he continued to lend his skills and guidance as they built their own homes and projects, always offering advice on doing things the right way.

Ed also had a lifelong fascination with the NASA space program, sparked by the Apollo moon landing. He closely followed major milestones and, even recently, insisted on watching the Artemis 2 Moonshot rather than attending dinner. In addition, he was an avid fan of Kansas University athletics and Kansas City Chiefs football.

Survivors include his sons, Bill Commons, Greg (Sherri) Commons, Dana Commons, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, six great great-grandchildren, brother, Ron Commons, and sister, Phyllis Blaylock.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, son, Brad Commons, brothers, Merle Commons and Marvin Commons.

The family will greet friends from 10:00am–11:00am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at The First Christian Church in Lawrence, KS.

The family suggests memorials in Edwin’s name to Alpha Christian Children’s Home.