Edwin H. McWilliams

Edwin (Ed) McWilliams, age 86, passed away on December 15, 2025, at his home in East Prairie, MO. He was born January 21, 1939, to Edwin L. and Florence McWilliams in St. Louis.

They lived in Brentwood, MO, where he attended school. After graduating, Ed attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a BS in education. He played football at SEMO all four years. He later received a master's in education from The University of Missouri.

In 1961, Ed married his wife of sixty-four years, Jill Palmer, in Steelville Mo. They were both teachers and taught in Jefferson County before moving to East Prairie, where they taught for over twenty-five years. Ed taught elementary PE and coached football. To this day he is still known as "Coach" by his former students.

Ed and Jill are the parents of two children, Fleming (John) Painter, and Shawn McWilliams. One of Ed's great joys was supporting his children in their music careers. He and Jill spent many hours traveling to concerts and performances.

Ed was a member of the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir with his wife, Jill. Many people enjoyed his beautiful, baritone voice. He volunteered at "The Flame" food pantry and loved serving people from his community.

Ed was a lover of football and fishing. Trout fishing was his favorite, and he introduced many friends and family to the sport by taking them to Meramec Springs. He was known as the "Troutmaster" and reluctantly handed the title down to his son, Shawn. He loved sharing his trout filets and was famous among friends and grandchildren for inventing "Trout McNuggets."

Ed is survived by his wife, Jill Palmer McWilliams of East Prairie; one daughter, Fleming (John) Painter of Nashville; one son, Shawn McWilliams of East Prairie; one sister, Jeanette (Bob) Horvath; grandchildren, Matthew (Kristin) McWilliams, Franky Painter, Mary McWilliams, Roxy Painter; great grandchildren, Kayleigh, Jayda, and Taylor; special brothers and sisters-in-law, Judy Foard-Giucastro, Robert (Jeannette)  Horvath, Eddie (Beverly) Palmer, Jack (Karol) Palmer; nieces and nephews; Larry, LaRue, Melissa, Jennifer, Ryan, Amy, Allyson, Ralph, and Kyle.

Because of Ed's endearing personality and unique sense of humor, he has often been described as "ONE OF A KIND."

The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until time of the memorial service at 1 PM, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church in East Prairie, Mo.  

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Flame of Hope Food Pantry, 604 West Washington Street, East Prairie, MO 63845

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements,

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com