Edward Thomas Bernard passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa. Private family services will be held at Hillside Cemetery in State Center at a later date.

Ed was born on February 27, 1951, to Earl and Lillian Bernard in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was raised and educated in State Center and graduated from West Marshall High School in 1969. In high school he was active in football, basketball and baseball.

Ed graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1973 with a degree in secondary education. He also attended Iowa State University and received his endorsement in special education. He was a teacher at the State Training School in Eldora for 35 years, where he taught health classes and driver’s education. 

After retiring from there, he worked for Street Smarts Driver’s Education, based out of Clive, at South Hamilton High School.

Ed was actively involved in the Eldora United Methodist Church and served on several committees. He also taught junior high and 3rd through 5th grade Sunday School classes. He was a past president and member of Eldora Kiwanis Club. Ed also served as president on the board of directors of the initial Eldora Theater Board.

Ed is survived by his wife, Marlys, whom he married on May 3, 1987 and his two sons: T.J. of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jason of Bethany, Missouri. He also had one stepson, Brian (Beth) Williams of Fort Collins, Colorado and three grandchildren, Aiden, Koen and Dulaney.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the United Methodist Church Trust Fund of Eldora, Iowa.

Praise be to God for the life of Ed Bernard.