Lum Caswell Edwards, III
It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Lum Caswell Edwards III on January 15, 2021. Lum was born on October 6, 1960 and had an extremely happy childhood filled with love, superheroes, and the fantastic.
Young Lum was mesmerized by magic, and with his twin sisters, Allison and Catherine as his assistants, he became the “Great Luminee” performing local venues, kids’ birthday parties and family events. He never, ever revealed the secrets to his various illusions, much to the consternation of his many friends. “Magicians never tell their secrets!”
Lum attended Sallie Curtis Elementary School, Marshall Junior High School, and Forest Park High School.
Spurred by the 1966 Batman television show, Lum became an enthusiastic comic book, Star Trek, Star Wars, Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, The Night Stalker, and Planet of the Apes fan. He was well read and devoured history, comics, science fiction, and fantasy novels. During his teen years he spent copious amounts of time writing stories and drawing comics, and by way of his love for cinema he made Super 8 movies, both stop motion animation and live action. He attended many comic conventions in Houston, where he would expand his collection of comics and books, and original comic art, while meeting the many artists and writers whom he admired.
As a student at Forest Park High School, Lum illustrated the school yearbook with beautiful black and white and color illustrations. During this same time, he co-produced Infinity, a fanzine, with his friend George Pratt, filled with their art and stories which they sold throughout the United States.
Lum had a zest for life, whether it was getting paint in his eye high on scaffolding in the Jefferson Theater (his great-grandfather was the General Manager) while recreating the Art Deco design on the ceiling, dodging spears from mud-throwing Incas, or diving out of a mail truck going 25 miles an hour. He embraced it all.
Lum attended Trinity University in San Antonio and graduated With Honors from Lamar University with a BA in Graphic Design.
After a short stint in the world of advertising with Ann Lee & Associates he joined the family business, J.S. Edwards & Sherlock in 1988. He became a partner in the agency in 2012.
In addition to his career in Insurance, Lum still made time for Civic and Volunteer work within the community. He was on the Board of Magnolia Cemetery as well as the board of the Southeast Texas Family Resource Center. His father, Lum Jr., was also on the board and helped found the Center. Lum was a mentor in the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Beaumont and was a ROAR Volunteer — (a BISD program whose goal is promoting reading and increasing reading proficiency). He also spent a considerable amount of his career as an active member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont.
Lum was an avid runner and completed several full and half marathons. He loved attending concerts and music was a significant part of his life (he was a hardcore Beatles and Eagles fan). Some of his most memorable concerts were those he shared with his sisters.
Later in life, he loved cooking for the family and hosting celebratory parties. Lum never met a stranger, always had a ready smile, and really loved to share his passions with others.
Lum was a man of great honesty and integrity, which he instilled in his two sons Joseph and Andrew whom he loved with all his heart. He was unbelievably proud of his sons and was thrilled to welcome daughters-in-law, Leslie and Chandler into his family. His grandson William absolutely stole his heart.
Lum met Gerry Wiggins, the love of his life, in 2006 and they were married in 2014. These were some of the happiest days of his life. Lum and Gerry loved making memories together including trips to Napa Valley, many weekends together in Houston, taking family trips including visiting their children in the Washington D.C. area and hosting family and friends at their home.
Lum was all about not wasting a minute, living the dream, and treating every moment like a celebration.
Lum is survived by his wife, Gerry Edwards; sons, Joseph Edwards and his wife Leslie and Andrew Edwards and his wife Chandler; grandson, William Caswell Edwards; uncle, Martin Edwards and his wife Melissa; sister, Allison Brocato and her husband Jim; sisters – in – law, Maureen Winchell, Kathleen Hambright and her husband Robert, Carol Hearn and her husband Donald, and Jo Bienvenu and her husband Mike; cousins, Seawillow Edwards, Gabriele Sausnock, and Scott Minton and his wife Shelly; nieces and nephews, Anna Brocato, Catherine Brocato, Shanda Kahla and her husband Toby, Jacob Thompson and his wife Summer, Gerry Kaye Salvaggio and her husband Joel, Sarah Wells and her husband Seth, Donald William Hearn and his wife Crystal, Blake Royer and Jamie Bailey, Rosemary Hambright and Phoebe Hambright; and lifelong friend, George Pratt.
Lum was preceded in death by his parents Mary Ann and Lum Caswell Edwards, Jr. and sister, Catherine Edwards.
Lum will forever be in our hearts. Devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend.
A gathering of Mr. Edwards’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021, outdoors at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont. A private family service is scheduled and will be under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 3430 harrison ave. beaumont tx 77706
- 01/20/2021
- 11:16 pm
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
- 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701
Comments
Vernell Winney
I feel so sad with the news of Lum's death. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers at this time of deep sorrow for you and your family. Time will help to heal but his memory will be forever in our hearts.
Paula Hall
Lum you will truly be missed by so many. Thank you for being a part of my life and a part of the Southeast Texas Family Resource Center Board. You always had a positive comment for me as the Executive Director. I appreciate everything you and your father did for the center.
Lorraine Sellitto
Dear Gerry Joseph and Andrew, I was in shocked when I heard that Lum passed away. I worked with Lum a few years ago and he was always so kind and helpful. Gerry I pray you find comfort as this is a very difficult time for you. I know you and Lum were so happy together. Holt tight to all the fun and memories you made. Joseph and Andrew i pray for you both to find comfort. ,Your Dad was a great man and will be so truly missed.. My thoughts,love and prayers are with the Edwards family during this most difficult time. GOD BLESS. Lorraine Sellitto
Lorraine Sellitto
Dear Gerry,Joseph and Andrew Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us everyday.. Lorraine Sellitto
Jolynda Loeb
I had the honor of working for Lum & Martin Edwards (and Mr. Sr.!) and coming to know Lummie when he was 12 years old. He was special to me, grew dear to my heart, and he knew it. He will be missed by many, his smile, his laughter, his love for people. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time; may our precious Lord surround them all with His peace and comfort.
lyn Carolyn C Lacoste
My thoughts & prayers are with each & all of the family! I pray God with His Almighty Blessings will shower Lum with much peace & Joy as he begins his eternal life with much peace &Joy in God’S Glorious Kingdom of Heaven!
Robert A Bienvenu, III
Thoughts and prayers for your family Lum. May you Rest In Peace.
Nancy Lang
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You were great neighbors.
Susan Ingram
I am so very sorry to hear of Lum's passing. I know he will be dearly missed. Much love and many prayers for his family.
Johnny & Sharon Passmore
Our thoughts and prayers for the Edwards family. May you be blessed with all the great memories. Much love, Sharon & Johnny Passmore
Chrissy and Rick Neal
Dear Allison and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Lum’s passing. Please know you’re all in our thoughts & prayers.
Bill (Duncan) Carrington
Dearest Gerry & Allison, I'm so sorry to hear of Lum's passing. Please know you have my heartfelt condolences and prayers. May God Bless, Comfort, and Mend all the hearts of those who knew and loved Lum. LYTP Bill Carrington
Marion Tanner
Buying insurance from Lum was not a task, but an event. He always approached it with his wonderful smile and attitude that he shared with everyone. We would always catch up on his sons and what they were doing, but you knew in the last few years that it was the grandson that stole his heart. Lum, you truly will be missed by many. RIP!!!!!!!
Kyle Coker
I was so shocked and deeply saddened upon hearing of Lum’s passing. Gerry and Allison, my love and blessings are with all of you...
Wilhelmina Brown
Mrs. Gerry so sorry to hear about ur husband. God bless ur family.
David O’Brien
I was so sad to hear of Lum’s passing. What a good, genuine, kind, funny, and compassionate man and friend he was. I’ll continue remembering the Edwards’ and Wiggins’ families in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Blessings to you all. David O’Brien
Phyllis Rice
Gerry and all of Lum’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you at this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Lum 3 so much! He was always a kind and caring boss. God bless you all.
Caran Lindsey
I am so sorry, my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family.
Rose & Norris Hardy Jr.
Allison,Gerry, Joseph and Andrew, we are so sorry to hear of Lum’s passing. Please know you have our deepest sympathy and prayers. May God comfort the family during this time of sorrow..
Walter and Mary Brocato
We are sorry for your loss. Lummy was a good friend. He was a kind person. We will miss him.. We will keep Lummy in our prayers—Walter and Mary Brocato
Mary Pat Jones
Dear Gerry, My heart aches for your loss of your dear husband Lum. One of a kind gentleman! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Sheri Reddell
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lum. I had the honor of working with Lum at J.S. Edwards & Sherlock for over 12 years. Lum was an amazing employer who treated you like family. He was always there to help in anyway he could and made working for him some of the best years of my life. I really enjoyed running the Gusher Half Marathons with Lum and always trading running tips. I loved his knowledge of wine and food which he always shared with me. Lum was such a devoted father to Andrew and Joseph which was an example to all. His love for Gerry showed in everything he did and there was no question she was the love of his life. I was very blessed to have known Lum and I will cherish those memories always. My deepest sympathy for his wife, children and family during this unimaginable time. Sending prayers and love to all. God Bless, Sheri Reddell
Laura Wiggins
Such a beautifully written obituary. What a fantastic soul he is. My sincere prayer for comfort and peace to soothe any sadnesses. Gerry, hugs to you!
Kathy Patrizi Wilbanks
Just so tragic and sad...sending much love and prayers to all Lum’s family and dear friends, especially Gerry and Allyson. May God see you through this sorrowful time and bring you comfort in the precious memories you will always treasure....God Bless.
Todd Pearson
So sorry to hear this. I have so many great childhood memories with your family and Lum is smiling and laughing in every one! Absolutely one of the nicest guys ever. We're thinking about you and your families, Joseph and Andrew.
Ray and Angela Baker
I met Lum at Ann Lee & Associates where we worked together. I liked him immediately— he was one of the good guys! We also shared Rotary years later. Prayers of peace and comfort to his wife, children, sister, family and his many friends. God Bless You, Angela Baker
Wesley Callaway III
I got to know Lum a few years back, he was a very unique guy and surely will be missed. I pray for everyone.
Joe Bordages
Lum was always quick with a smile and a handshake. I will miss him greatly.
Liz Brocato Jackson and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gerry,Joseph, Andrew, Allison, Jim and family. Lum was a light in every room he walked into.! He never hesitated to help when needed.. We’ll remember him fondly.
Eddie and Karen Collins
Lum was one of our favorite people to see or meet anywhere. Whether at Market Basket, J Wilson’s, Jack’s Pak It, church, social function, or whatever, he was always smiling, especially after meeting and marrying Gerry.. Prayers of comfort for the entire Edwards and Wiggins familes, all of whom we consider dear friends.
Carliss Fumuso Murray
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lum was a very special person.
Andy D'Entremont
Gerry, I am so sorry to hear of Lum's passing. May God grant you peace in this time of sorrow. Andy, Joi, Ross, and Chris D'Entremont
Tony,,Cathy and Anthony Brocato
Jim and Allison, Anna, and Catherine, Lum was a good person, always smiling when I saw him. I know you will miss him, but know that he is in Heaven. You are all in our prayers.
Camille Culpepper
My heartfelt prayers for Allison & the family on the loss of Lum. Hoping you find comfort in the days ahead.
Judy Dishman
Gerry & family. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. And my deepest sympathy. I grew up with Lum II and knew and loved the Edwards family all the way back to Lil & Big Lum. Lum will be missed by you, family & community ..with love and hugs, Judy
Becky & Rodney Ames
Words can not describe our sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lum was a great individual and we truly enjoyed the opportunity to visit. He will be missed.
Tanya & Michael Lee
We were saddened to read of Lum's passing. Such a sweet and kind man with such a love for life. We know he will be greatly missed but will live in your hearts forever.