Obituary of Jon Lars Edburgh

J. Lars Edburgh, of 144 Willseyville Road, Willseyville, NY passed on to be with our Lord on Thursday December 7, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife and companion of 31 years, Shyrl; two step sons, John (Jennifer) Kelly of Brockport, NY; Paul (Heather) Kelly of Rush, NY; two grandchildren, Hannah and Dillon Kelly; one sister, Karen Fry of Kansas City, MO; a niece, Melissa (Robert) Riggs of Kansas City, KS; nephew, Christopher Fry of Chicago, IL. Mr. Edburgh was born and grew up in Berwick, PA where he graduated from Berwick High School in 1960. He then attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College (now Bloomsburg University) graduating in 1964 with a degree in general science education. During his college years he excelled at his first love, that of shooting bow and arrow on a competitive level. He was Pennsylvania State Grand Champion in 1961 and then defended his title setting several new state archery records in 1962. He placed second in 1963 and 1964. He was also 5th in the nation in 1964. Following college Mr. Edburgh enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and attended Officer Training School for a short time until awarded a medical discharge. The following year he accepted a science teaching position at the Owego Junior High School where he taught for 37 years, retiring in 2002. During that time he taught general science to 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders as well as several math classes and even one class of introduction to business. His favorite assignment was his regents earth science accelerated class. Lars was active in his local church and was a Sunday School Teacher for many years. He also was a lay speaker and preached many sermons at various churches when requested. He said that his greatest desire was to be a faithful follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Another great love was that of woodworking which began through his friendship with the shop teacher at the junior high school in the mid 60's. He said that when he came to Owego he couldn't even build a bird house but he learned. All through the years Lars was constantly building furniture and cabinets as well as, at one time, his own home. He also loved camping, canoeing, reading, traveling and watching old movies, especially westerns. He will be remembered for his sense of humor as well as his genuine words of encouragement to those whom he met. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, Candor, NY with the Revs. Ed Enstein and Richard Vanderpoel, officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Candor, NY. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Jon Lars Edburgh's memory to the Candor Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 141, Candor, NY 13743 or Friends of Hospice, P.O. Box 638, Owego, NY 13827. Condolences may be made to Lars's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.