Edwin Hicks van Deusen

Edwin Hicks van Deusen, age 88, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 11, 2018, surrounded by family.

Growing up in the projects of Chester, Pennsylvania, young Edwin was introduced to baseball by a future manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Danny Murtaugh. Edwin went on to play second base in the Philadelphia Athletics farm system and retained a life-long passion for baseball.

He attended Nether Providence High School and then proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1951-1953. He graduated from Penn State University, (B.A. English, ’56) and Temple Law School (J.D., ’60). He practiced transportation law in Pennsylvania and in Columbus, Ohio where he and his family relocated in 1970.

Not only did he enjoy playing golf, but he had a knack for picking the trifecta at the race track. Every day he completed the New York Times crossword puzzle (confidently using an ink pen) and he continually graced everyone’s lives with his keen intelligence, endless stories, love of music, and wonderful sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by parents, Edwin P. and Audrey McFadden van Deusen; sisters, Dale Harris (John), Claire Wilson (Daniel), and Sharyn Felix (Robert); and daughter, Bonnie Jeanne Lavric.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Nancy G. van Deusen (née, Ganley); children, Nancy (Preston Schiller) van Deusen, E. Robert (Colleen) van Deusen, David (Diane) van Deusen; son-in-law, Sino Lavric; grandchildren, Natalia, Melania, Katarina, Helena, Aleksander, Barron, Jack; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who he always made laugh.

He will be sadly missed by all (including his tomato garden of nearly 50 years).

Friends and family will gather for a private memorial service and a life celebration to honor Edwin will be held at a future date.

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