Archie Milton Edgell

Archie Milton Edgell was born April 13, 1925 in Rural Gove County, Kansas to Vernon and Rilla (Brockway) Edgell. May 20, 2016 surrounded by family, holding Charlene’s hand, with his great-grandson, Evan, patting his whiskers and giving wet kisses, Archie left this world peacefully. As we remember Archie, the things that come to mind are his strong character traits, his dedication to family and his church. At a young age Archie learned how to work. He was supporting his family as a teenager. This hard work carried him through life, passing it on to his children, nephews and grandsons. His sons remember when they wanted a day off, Archie let them know that being self-employed didn’t offer that luxury too often. He just told them, “If I don’t get my head off the pillow we don’t eat!” That was Archie. Archie and Charlene Maupin were married November 19, 1960 in Hill City. As a family man, Archie began gathering relatives together for the “Edgell Reunions”. These are continuing today not only in Kansas, but also Oklahoma, Utah and Washington. With his family and friends, camping and water skiing brought lots of stories: boat flooding and bailing water, running into a sand bar and all those skiing lessons. Archie was always up early at the lake as he had to be the first one on the water “to stir it up.” Archie could always be counted on to help others, whether it was moving day, repairs to homes or tragedies. This also carried on to his church mission. He would go to help victims of fires and floods, and trips to Mexico and Honduras; building churches, working circles around the younger men. Archie will be remembered with love by all who knew him. We will never forget his infectious smile, his overalls, and the dash of his truck covered with fig newtons, licorice, Planter’s peanuts, and rattlesnake rattles. He had many “isms”. Some of them were his love for coffee, naps after lunch, reading and collecting National Geographic Magazines. His CB handle was “9 Nails” because he had planed off one pinky finger. Archie lived his life as a carpenter and family man. He took pride in his craft and his family. His generosity, work ethic, humility and selflessness were his greatest qualities that he would want us to aspire to. Rest in the arms of the Lord, Archie. Well done, good and faithful servant.