Former Florence resident Edwin Root Jr., 69, Navy veteran and retiree, passed away on Sunday, July 20, at Avita Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Wichita.

He was born on Sept. 11, 1944 in Fort Scott to Edwin Jesse and Nona Mae (Thoming) Root.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in December 1991.

Edwin was a history buff and loved reading history and militaria books.

He was a member of the Wichita Militaria Collector’s Club and enjoyed going to estate sales, looking for treasured history pieces to add to his collection.

Edwin is survived by his sons, Edwin J. Root III and Philip Root; grandsons Aaron, Isaac and Ethan; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Nona; his wife, Mary Louise (Edwards) Root; and brother, Charles Root.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at Lakeview Cemetery and Mausoleum, Wichita.