Edward Fredrick Middleton, 78, of Unionville, Missouri, formerly of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Thursday (September 22, 2011) at the Putnam County Hospital in Unionville.

The son of Charles and Catherine Leota (McGuigan) Middleton, he was born January 17, 1933 in East St. Louis, Missouri. On January 26, 1957 in Lancaster, Missouri, Edward was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Ray who preceded him in death on November 29, 1997.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lloyd and Thomas and one grandchild, Casey.

Edward is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Barb Middleton and Kelly and Marilyn Middleton all of Centerville, IA; two daughters Cindy Middleton of Kirksville, MO and Lisa Young and special friend, Earl Poole of Unionville, MO; one brother, James Middleton of Kirksville, MO as well as five grandchildren, Kara, Michelle, Jeff, Alisha and Kimberly and eight great-grandchildren, Preston, Jeff Jr., Leslie, Mike, Haylee, Jayden, Mike and Eric.

Edward resided most of his life in the Novinger area and was a graduate from Novinger High School. He served in the United States Navy and after being honorably discharged, returned home. Edward worked on the railroad in the early 60’s and was employed for the Novinger Water Plant for twenty-five years, retiring in 1996. After retiring, Edward enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.

Edward was a Novinger City Alderman, town Marshal, volunteer for the Novinger Fire Department, worked for the Adair County Fire Department in Kirksville, was a member of V.F.W. and was a member of the Catholic Church.

Graveside service with military honors will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday (September 26, 2011) at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger, with Pastor Alan Coonfield presiding.

Family will receive friends one hour before the service on Monday in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Middleton, Michael Jones, Earl Poole, Bill Johnson, Donnie Bunch and Alan Coonfield.

Memorials may be made to the Middleton Family Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.