Edward R. Lunda, age 94, was born in Akron, Ohio on August 14, 1923 to Dorothy A. Lunda.  The Lord took him home for rest on November 3, 2017.

Edward graduated from South High School where he excelled in high jump and other track and field endeavors.  He was a bright student who went on to attend the University of Akron.  During World War II, he was recruited and proudly served as a Tuskegee Airman in the United States Air force where he attained the rank of Major.  He served alongside the likes of Coleman Young who later became the mayor of Detroit, Michigan and other service members who later became doctors, judges, lawyers, scientists and architects. Edward Lunda had to deal with segregation and extreme prejudice to prove to the world that black men were intelligent and could become pilots and airmen.  Edward was employed by The City of Akron Department of Taxation in downtown Akron where he was an accountant and supervisor.  At lunchtime he could often be seen strolling past O’Neils and other department stores in a business suit and tie with a folded newspaper under his arm, affectionately becoming known as “The Mayor of Main Street”.   Many years after retiring from the Air Force, he and many other Tuskegee Airman received the distinguished Congressional Gold Medal in the nations capital by then President George W. Bush.  These airmen also received personal invitations by President Barack Obama, the first black president, to attend his inauguration.   He and his late wife Lavonne E. Young Lunda attended together.

After retirement, Edward became an avid golfer and proudly boasted about his 18 hole games on hot humid days.  He was seldom seen without a cigar and often enjoyed smoking one while working a crossword puzzle or sitting outside, people watching.

Edward loved the Lord dearly and in his later years, spoke regularly about the grace of God and His profound blessing in allowing him to reach the age of 94 years.  One of his favorite phrases was “God is good, He woke me up today and I’ve got more time than money”! Edward was often described as a good man, good father, gentleman, jewel, sweetheart, friendly and always had a smile on his face.

Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy A. Lunda, and both wives, Ruth M. Lunda and Lavonne E. Young Lunda. He is survived by his children Ramu Lunda of Chicago, Illinois, Elliott (Diane) Lunda of Detroit, Michigan, Allan Keith Lunda and Karen Lunda McGregor of Akron, Ohio; stepchildren, LaBarbara Ford (Paul) Dingess, Maryann Ford Allen, James Yarbrough Jr. of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Sedi Blount Lunda, Tepaka Lunda, Terrance Lunda, Menaka Lunda, Antamani Lunda, Eric Lunda, Errin Lunda, Evan Lunda, Kani Lunda; step grandchildren, Kenneth Mingo, Tasha Young, Kenyette Mingo, LaShawn Allen, Paul Hall, Erica Allen and Nicole Dingess; step great-grandchildren, Charles Hicks II, Kyree Anderson, Jamacia Allen, Kashmier Mingo, Brook’lynn Ruggs, Khyla Anderson, Khyona Guin, Shalyria Bell, G’Anthony Bell and Steven Hill; step great-great grandchild, Caiden Hicks and a host of family and friends including Cynthia Rice and Dolly Lunda.