Vic Edmonson, 1961-2007

From Brenda G:

Wayne Victor Edmonson, 46, passed away Saturday, April 7, at 4:57 a.m., due to illnesses related to chronic heart- and diabetes-related conditions. His close friend Bill Bates, whom he had known since high school, was at his side when he concluded that final journey.

Born Feb. 25, 1961, in Houston, to Wayne and Frances "Becky" Edmonson, Vic, as he was known, lived in the Westbury-Sharpstown area until moving with his family to Missouri City during junior high.

He graduated from Dulles High School in 1979. During high school, he began working at Burger King, where he met several lifelong friends, and rose to the rank of manager while in college. He also was a past master counselor, the highest ranking in the DeMolay Lodge No. 1336 in Bellaire, a Masonic preparation group for young men, leading his group to receive a first-place award with an essay he wrote for a statewide competition. He attended Houston Baptist University on a full academic scholarship, graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in English and journalism.

In 1982, while still in college, he got a job at the Houston Post as a contract copy messenger. In 1984, he transferred to the features department and full-time employment, serving in an administrative role supporting features editor Martha Liebrum. He continued in that position, later supporting Julie Gilbert when Liebrum became assistant managing editor and Gilbert became features editor, until the Post closed in April 1995. During his 13 years at the Post, Vic made many friends in the features department and across the newsroom. He distinguished himself as a skilled administrator, assisting the Post's leaders in managing budgets that grew sparser and more challenging each year. He also contributed regularly to the newspaper's entertainment listings. His finest moment at the Post, however, was when the newspaper published his review of the film "Star Trek: Generations" in 1994.

As the Post moved toward closure, Vic began suffering from ill health. Instead of immediately seeking employment when the newspaper closed, Vic spent that time seeing his family through the long process of his father's decline, until Mr. Edmonson passed away later that year. In early 1996, he took a job at Continental Airlines as a ticket sales agent. He continued there until his death, being promoted to a customer service position and then to a similar position for Continental's Disney Vacations branch. Just as he did at Burger King and the Post, Vic made numerous longtime friendships while serving in various areas at Continental.

He was preceded in death by his father. In addition to his mother, survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Jessie Robinson, of Houston; two nieces, Megan, of Redding, Calif., and Danielle, of Houston; and a cousin, Joyce Shea, of Detroit.

A memorial service will take place Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m., at St. Philip's United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut at Renwick, in Houston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip's United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut St., Houston TX 77096-1005; checks should be addressed to “St. Philip’s UMC” and specify "In Memory of Vic Edmonson."