Herbert George Edwards, 100, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on August 15, 2026. He was born September 15, 1925, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Alfred & Elizabeth (Fildes) Edwards. He graduated from South Side High School in 1943.

After graduation, Herbert enlisted in the United States Army, serving in World War II as a member of the 82nd Airborne and earning the rank of Sergeant. Returning home to Fort Wayne, he devoted his working life to steady, practical service—first as a firefighter with the Fort Wayne Fire Department beginning in 1948. Over 25 years with the department, he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief before retiring. Known for his straightforward honesty and a brand of humor that could lighten even demanding days, he also carried himself with the firm standards of someone who believed responsibility mattered and work should be done the right way.

Away from the station, Herbert put skilled hands to use as a carpenter, contributing to many of the large homes that still stand today in Southwest Fort Wayne. He later continued his commitment to the community as Wayne Township Assessor for many years. Even after retiring from the Assessor’s office, he kept working part-time to stay occupied, until his wife became ill.

After returning home from the war, Herbert met the love of his life, Eileen M. Stemen. They were married on May 15, 1948, and raised a family together until her passing on June 6, 2010. Herbert is survived by his sons, Herbert(Jodi) Edwards of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Gordon (Vicki) Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida; and is preceded in death by his son, the late Jerry (Janice) Edwards of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Edwards, William Edwards, Thomas (Rachael) Edwards, Corissa (Scott) Pugh, Jeremy (Margaret) Edwards, and Shawn (Angela) Edwards; and by 8 great-grandchildren.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; his spouse; his son; and his siblings: sister, Emily Hamilton; his twin-sister, Margaret Edwards; twin brothers, Bill Edwards and Alfred Edwards; and sister Dorothy Edwards.