It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ed Backer, a beloved brother, cousin, uncle, friend, and cherished member of the St. Louis and Blue Springs Communities. Born on September 21, 1956, Ed touched the lives of all who knew him with his willingness to help, leading us in song and funny sayings (Ed-isms)
A Life Well-Lived
Ed is survived by his siblings Mary Kay, Matthias (Maureen – deceased), Lou (Stephen – deceased) Barrett, Robert (Sally), Susan Conklin, Carol Miller (Terry Whitney), Pat (Michael) Banton, Joseph (Diana), Brian (Sharon) and Denis. Ed is an uncle to 30 nieces and nephews and 35 great nieces and nephews. Ed was loved by all his cousins in the Kwentus, Hoffmann and Schleicher families.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Matthias M.D. and Laverne as well as sister Marilyn (Gary) Parker and brother Donald Backer.
Ed grew up in a loving household with his parents and siblings. He could always lift the spirits no matter if it was a Saturday night watching Mannix and Starsky and Hutch or a family wedding or celebration of life. His impromptu speeches are notorious for recognizing the attendees before ending with a zinger and then coffee.
Passions and Legacy
Growing up Ed knew every neighbor and greeted everyone with a “Hello” each day. He was “in charge” of taking in several neighbor’s trash cans and picking up papers. Ed enjoyed visiting with neighbors especially if it happened after church and they had hot, fresh donuts.
Ed was a member of Our Lady of Providence parish until 1992. He received all his sacraments from OLP and was loved by the whole parish community.
Ed was a graduate of Park School and immediately started working at the W.A.C. Industries sheltered workshop on Mackenzie Road. Ed loved to be busy both at work and at home.
Ed was an avid swimmer and a 7 Time gold medal winner in the Special Olympics
Cherished Memories
In 1992, Ed moved to Blue Springs, Missouri to be with sister Marilyn and her husband Gary as well as niece Julie and nephew Jason. He became a member of St. John Laland parish. He also spent a lot of time with Brother Joe and his wife Diana and their family.
Ed went to several sporting events and social events. Sister Lynn ensured Ed went to all the activities including several of family vacations. He developed a close relationship with niece Julie which influenced her decision to become a teacher.
He continued working at the Blue Springs workshop until 2018. After moving back to St. Louis, he received great care from Nancy and Dave Embrey.
Ed leaves behind a legacy of making the most of every day. He was always hopeful and optimistic that if he worked hard there would be another party for him to lead everyone in “YMCA”
Remembering Ed
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church (8866 Pardee Road St. Louis, Missouri 63123) on Tuesday, July 29, 9:00 a.m. until funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Special Olympics or One Classroom appreciated.
Such a lovely soul! Many funny Edisms come mind, but I am not a family member and I can imagine how contagious his cherry personality was. His smile will be missed by many!
Dr. Backer delivered me over 60 years ago. He probably delivered all my siblings, as well.
I remember my mom telling he was a devout Catholic, as were my parents.
God Bless All of You.
Many memories with friends visiting the Backer house in grade school days and playing the bad guys with Ed as Joe Mannix. He would catch all of us and put us in jail.
Ed was a frequent visitor to our house on Sunday mornings for a donut, my parents really enjoyed these visits.
Our deepest condolences from the whole Spinner family, Ed will be missed.
I have such wonderful childhood memories of days that all the Wacker kids spent with all the Backer kids. We had so much fun! Eddie, as we knew him, had a special place in my heart. Of the Backer 13, he was closest in age to me and I loved his humor and his spirit. It’s no surprise that his life was so fully lived and that he was so loved. My condolences and love to all the Backers.
Ed was such a kind soul and a joy to be with. I remember a number of July 4th gatherings at the Backer’s and the fun with him and his siblings swimming in their pool. Our families were long time friends going back to the days when our mothers were high school classmates. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Ed’s family on his passing.
What a loving legacy Ed left for you all. Our sincerest condolences to Sue, Laura, Ryan and all of your family.
Deb and I are so sorry for your loss. May Ed’s memory be a blessing.
Randy and Deb: thank you for your kind words.
I could go on and on about Ed but will keep it short and sweet – me be on my beeper sweetheart,,
Thanks Joyce for sharing this sweet memory
I have many memories of visiting Brian and the Backer clan at the Backer’s house while growing up in the OLP parish. Ed brought out the humbleness in all and his warmth and entertainment were the life of the visits. I’ll miss Ed.
Condolences from the Perry family.
I will always have fond memories of Eddie. Growing up in the OLP neighborhood I was a frequent flyer at the Backer home. Eddie always greeted me with “Hi, big Nance”. He was funny, loved to sing and tell stories. Lynn and I were good friends. She told me that one day she would take care of Eddie and that came true. RIP dear Eddie. Love to all the Backers. ❤️❤️❤️
The Backer’s, what a great family! 13 kids! My sister Lynne and I were close in age and close to Brian, Joe, Patsy and Denis. Everybody at OLP knew the Backers, and although you probably didn’t know all of the Backer kids, Eddie Backer knew you and everyone knew Eddie Backer. He was so outgoing and was just so interested in everyone else. If anyone talked to one of his siblings, he wanted to know their name. I have thought of him over the years and wondered what he was doing. “A life well lived” I enjoyed his obituary so much I read it three times. I also remember playing Joe Mannix with him and being put in jail, I mean it was serious stuff!! But it was fun. Eddie could not have been born into a better family. Peace and love to the Backer family.
Our deepest condolences to everyone in the Backer family! Eddie was always the cornerstone to the family! Loved by EVERYONE at OLP parish. Remembering Eddie hand gesturing and telling the church members when they can sit during church. Eddie touched everyone’s hearts and his personality was always fun and loving! We all have been both blessed and impacted by knowing Eddie and the great memories!
Vic and the Scalise family
Thanks for your kind words Vic!
We wish to express our sympathy to the Backer family. Ed was a very special person and we are grateful to have known him and be with him on many occasions. He will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to the Backer Family for their loss of Ed. Ed was always nice, polite and fun-loving. He loved to sing and dance and was the life of the party; we loved him. Ed always remembered Steve and I lived in Kansas City. Although we moved back to St. Louis, he continued to welcome us with a warm handshake and asked us, “How are things in Kansas City?” As cousins growing up, Ed taught us kindness, compassion and love. We will always remember his warm smile, good hugs, and his love of life! Heaven has gained a priceless gem!
Love, Denice and Steve
Love, Denice and Steve
We have Ed’s pictures consistently popping up on our digital frame.! They make us smile and warm our hearts. He will always be connected to bananas and coffee, Beatles and YMCA, Starsky and Hutch and “Cartwrights”.
May your hearts be warmed and comforted every time you think of him.
Thanks so much Dave and Nancy for taking such good care of Ed!
Having been a part of the Backer family for over 40 years, I have endless memories of Ed. I actually knew (of) Ed before any other Backer. You see, Ed, and my brother Fred were classmates at Park School together. One an introvert, the other an extrovert (to say the least), they tolerated each other and that was about it. (There are rumors of a couple of schoolyard busted lips that I cannot confirm or deny.) I wonder what that heavenly reunion looked like?
As a niece of Uncle Ed who lived out of state, I have many memories of visiting at various times over the years and always enjoying just how happy, friendly and fun he was, no matter the event or occasion. As well as his love for coffee and fresh bananas. A beautiful life well-lived.