Edward Lewis “Ed” Sangster

Edward L. Sangster, known as Butch by many, was reunited with Our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 20th, 2017. Edward passed away peacefully in his home due to complications from diabetes at the age of 72.

He was born to Edward Sangster Sr. and Ahnawake Gandy on March 18, 1945 in Fresno, California. In his early childhood, Ed moved to the Lawrence, Kansas area with his mother, where Ahnawake later met and married Merle Southard.

Ed’s love of cooking began early in life. When he was only 6 or 7 years old he would prepare dinner for his mother and have it hot and waiting for her when she returned home each night. This passion for cooking would be a lifelong love of Ed’s.

Always a hard worker, Ed began working as young as 13 at Joe’s Bakery in Lawrence as a night clean up and assistant.  If the weather was too cold or snowy he was allowed to drive his stepfather’s tractor to work instead of walking.  While attending high school he worked at various restaurants in Lawrence as a line cook.

Edward graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964 and then went on to serve in the US Navy. Upon his return from the Navy, he joined the Lawrence Fire Department. Ed bravely served the community for 31 years fighting fires and assisting with medical emergencies.

Butch was known to be a reserved, proud Christian man. He had a great infectious laugh, a private nature and no interest in gossip.  A man of few words, he let his food do the talking. He was well known throughout the community for his 4th of July barbecues. Ed would have all types of meats each one meticulously cooked with a fine attention to detail ensuring that he had just the right flavor he was looking for. He and his wife Sandy would host this large and diversely attended event for all who wanted to attend.   The guest list often included many of his former co-workers, his children and their friends and people from local NA groups including people he sponsored in NA.

Edward was preceded in death by his mother Ahnawake Southard, his stepfather Merle Southard (LaNelle), both of Lawrence and his father Edward (Eddie) Sangster of California.  He is   survived by his wife Sandra Williams Sangster of the home, daughter Kendra Sangster Fuller of DesMoines, Iowa, son Elijah Sangster (Jamie) of Topeka, four grandchildren – Isabella Fuller, Myra, Lewis and Lilith Sangster, his sister Beverly Southard Richardson (Frederick), brothers Donald Southard, Rondell Southard, Marlon Southard and his four siblings born to his birth father Edward (Eddie) Sangster.

A Memorial service for Edward, with military honors, will be held at 2p.m. on Friday, December 29th at the Rumsey-Yost funeral home, located at 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS 66044.