EDWARDS, ARTHUR H.

Arthur H. “Grampy Art” Edwards of Attleboro, a decorated World War II veteran, died Thursday [September 5, 2002] at the Boston Medical Center in Boston. He was 79.

Born in Attleboro, he was a lifelong resident and a graduate of Attleboro High School.

Mr. Edwards was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1942-45 in action against the enemy of Tulgai, in Guadalcanal and in New Georgia. He was wounded in action in 1942.

He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Marine Good Conduct Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, World War II Occupation and Victory Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was also the recipient of three Purple Hearts, seven Battle Stars and two Gold Stars.

He worked as a sales representative and superintendent for M.O.D. – Masters of Design in North Attleboro for 16 years, retiring in 1985. Previously, he worked as a stone setter for the former L.G. Balfour Company in Attleboro for 15 years. After retirement he was a bus driver for the Attleboro School Department where he was known as “Grampy Art.”

Mr. Edwards served on the board of directors for the Attleboro Council on Aging. He was a member of the Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, AARP, the Veterans of Foreign War Post 115 in Attleboro, and the Edson”s Raiders as a Marine veteran.

He was also an avid bowler and golfer and was active in numerous political campaigns.

Mr. Edwards is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn L. (Gifford); a son, Terry E. of Attleboro; two sisters, Esther Claupin of Hyannis and Myrtle Klein of Santa Rosa, Calif.; two granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held today at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, Attleboro.

Burial will be private.

Arrangements by Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, North Attleboro.