Edward Self

Edward Leonard Self was born in McKinney, Texas on August 12, 1924, to Eliga Edward Self and Ora Edna (McCluskey) Self. He was a graduate of the 1941 class of McKinney High School. He served as editor of the high school paper, The Lion Roar, in 1941, and Associate Editor in 1940-41. In 1942 he attended St. Mary's College in California. In 1948-50 he attended Dallas College of SMU. At various times throughout his life he was a member of the VFW and American Legion and Association of Fraternal Investigators.

In high school, he picked cotton, hoed cotton, topped onions, delivered newspapers and helped on a Coca-Cola truck route. Upon graduation he worked at Pecan Grove Cemetery (earning $1.00 for a 10 hr day). He enlisted in the US Navy on August 30, 1941 as an Apprentice Seaman. He completed boot camp training at USNTC, San Diego, CA. He then completed pre-flight school at St. Mary's, then underwent flight training at Naval Air Station, Pasco, WA, where he washed out in C stage after completing A and B stages. He returned to duty in the regular Navy on June 5, 1943. He served in The Pacific Theatre in Submarine Repair Unit 137, then Submarine Div. 181, The USS Bradshaw, and finally Submarine Admin, Mare Island, CA. He was honorably discharged on March 26, 1946.

Sometime after boot camp, Eddie was introduced to his future bride, Rosa Lee Jackson and they were married on September 9, 1942. To quote him, "Rosa Lee was a stunning redhead".

On April 14, 1947 he enlisted in USNR and served in the reserve Electronic Warfare Unit, McKinney, TX, until October 25, 1951 when he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He served in the District Intelligence Office in Kodiak, AK, until October 29, 1951 when he was returned to inactive duty.

On May 7, 1946 he began working at the VA hospital in McKinney, Texas and was promoted to Chief, Patients Control Section, in September 1948. On May 24, 1956 he was transferred to the U.S. Civil Service Commission in Dallas, Texas as Investigator until February 29, 1972 when he was transferred to a position as Appeals Examiner and promoted to Assistant Appeals Officer. Edward retired on August 8, 1980, but later resumed work as an investigator for the Civil Service Commission as a self-employed contract investigator. At various times in his life, he served in various other capacities as a farm laborer, newsboy helper, aviation cadet, yeoman, and voting rights observer.

Mr. Self dedicated his life to the family he loved and was so proud of. His children and grandchildren brought so much joy into his life. He was a quiet, kind, and gentle man who cherished and valued the simple but important things in life. He grew up during The Great Depression and learned the value of a dollar and how to use it wisely. As his children grew, he instilled a love of family and nature. On Sundays he would take his family on country drives and pointed out every type of tree and told them its name.

Next to his family, gardening and fishing for crappie and catfish were his two passions. He was dedicated to watching the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys play. Reading and cooking were two other very important hobbies. His favorite author was Jack London, among many others; but if it was in print, he would read it. Cooking brought him much satisfaction, especially recipes made with vegetables from his garden. He loved to prepare his favorite recipes, Green Chile Stew and Chicken Chowder then share them with his children. He felt his greatest successes were fathering five normal healthy children, earning an adequate livelihood, and recognition by his peers for excellence as an investigator.

Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Lee Self (2003), two sons, Jimmy (1994) and David (1999). He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters, Patricia and son-in-law Fred, Linda and son-in-law Bobby, and Donna, 7 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, two brothers, Thomas Self of Arlington, and Billy Ray Self of Leonard.

The family will receive friends at a visitation at Allen Family Funeral Options from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Plano, 1300 E 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75074 with Dr. Jerry Carlisle and Eric Hartman officiating. Edward will be laid to rest at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas.

If desired, memorials may be made in Edward's name to The American Cancer Society, P O Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718 or www.cancer.org or 1-800-ACS-2345.



Through Different Eyes

Some called me patriotic. I loved my country, the freedom our forefathers fought and died for. The same freedoms I chose to fight for and continue to fight for and defend today.

I was also known as being generous, sometimes even too generous. Helping others was second nature to me. For family, friends and neighbors, I was always there to help in any way I could. I often gave to causes and charities I felt strongly about supporting.

Others may have called me comical. I always loved a good joke, funny story and telling about the funny things my kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren did or said. Some of my favorite shows provided me with a good laugh and things to share. I was a practical joker. Sometimes I went too far thoughmy brothers will attest to that.

Some may have called me determined. If I felt strongly about it, if something needed to be done or a problem needed to be fixed, I did what I had to do to get it done. When someone mentioned they needed something, I immediately responded.

I worked, sweated and persevered. I might get frustrated but would take a break and come back, possibly with a different approach, until I got it accomplished.

Many may have called me industrious. I couldn't stand to be idle. Even after I retired, I went back to work, needing to keep busy. I was never content to just sit in the house so you could always find me repairing something. I loved being outside, gardening, keeping up the house and yard. If I had to be inside, I would still find something to doI loved reading!

Some may have called me punctual. If I needed to be somewhere, I tried to make sure I was there early. When mail arrived, I opened it immediately made sure I attended to anything needing paid, filled out or tending to. When I cooked, I was usually a day ahead in having everything ready to make the meal. It was not my nature to be late or behind, including going to appointments or work.

Some called me loving. My greatest love was for my family. I was blessed with a wonderful wife and five children. They further blessed me with seven grandchildren, a multitude of great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter. I loved reading, history, gardening and fishing, as well as nature, good food and great friends, but my greatest love was my family.

Along the way, I've also been called son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. Others called me a great neighbor or a wonderful friend. Those I worked with called me a dependable friend and coworker. But to my three wonderful daughters I will always be called Daddy.

October 9, 2011



-Donna Self-