Edward William Svoboda, Sr. May 7, 1962 – July 18, 2023
Edward William Svoboda, Sr., 61, of Arnold, Missouri passed away on July 18, 2023. Ed was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 7, 1962, to Patricia and Edward Svoboda. He attended Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri.
Ed was a loving husband of 28 years to Elaine, and together they raised three children and shared a life of love and laughter with their beloved dog, Callie. He was a loyal and valued employee of the Fox C-6 school district for more than 30 years where he was head custodian at Hodge Elementary. Ed’s playful nature and infectious laugh made him beloved across the school campus by students and staff alike.
Ed was a collector at heart, with a deep fondness for trains, particularly steam locomotives. A lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, “Mr. Ed” will always be remembered for entertaining the children at school by dressing up and performing as the King. His sense of humor, kind heartedness, and helpful spirit endeared him to those around him.
Ed is survived by his wife Elaine Svoboda, daughter Crystal Svoboda, son Eddie Svoboda and children, stepdaughter Angela Lozano (Rick), and grandsons Corbin, Connor, Evan, and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia and father Edward. He will be missed by many cousins, friends, and colleagues.
Memorial services to be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, beginning with a visitation on Tuesday, July 25, from 4-8 pm, followed by a memorial service on Wednesday, July 26, at 12 pm. Memorial donations may be made in Ed’s name to the Jefferson County Pet Food Pantry.
Mr Ed was such a great person. My children, Melody and Daniel, love him so much. Melody would always come home with goofy stories about Mr Ed. They loved when he would dress up as the hawk. He was the best and he will be missed so much.
To the Svoboda and Hodge family I’m so very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Mr Ed. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories he has left in all of our hearts 💕
Please pray for Mr. Ed’s family.
His school family, Hodge Elementary School, won’t be the same without him.
Neither will January 8th, Hank the Hawk appearances, school breakfast, Polar Express … Mr. Ed was all of these and so much more. He’s already missed.
Mr. Ed Gave my son his Only award during school I mean k-12 my son Geordi Graduated in May. The award Geordi got was for telling the other boys in the restroom not to make a mess cause “Mr. Ed has to clean that up.” apparently Mr. Ed overheard that and then hand delivered the Hodge Hawk award in person. That award has been on our wall since my son received it.
We loved Mr. Ed
I am truly going to miss Ed. He was a wonderful cousin. I loved visiting him and listening to his life stories. It was truly heart-breaking to hear of his sudden death. My prayers and thoughts go out to his immediate family.
Our Hodge Family is truly going to miss Mr. Ed. I was somewhat thankful April Fool’s Day fell on a Saturday in 2023 since I wouldn’t have to clean up the chaos that would occur every April Fool’s Day. Ed would turn over desks, wrap string all around my desks, or turn over drawers in my desk. There would always be something to find on April 1st. Now, I’m wishing it wasn’t on a Saturday this year. Ed will truly be missed for all the fun he brought to our school! Whether it be Elvis’s Birthday, Polar Express conductor, Hank the Hawk, hiding a scary baby doll in our classrooms during haunted hallway week, or playing music on Fridays, Mr. Ed will be so missed in the halls of Hodge. His love for his Hodge family was shown every day. RIP Mr. Ed. Sending love and prayers to his family.
I have known Eddie since I was a kid. His mom Pat and my mom Joan were good friends. We used to hang out together as teenagers. I know his family will miss him. He was a wonderful man. RIP.
Mary Minogue Molenda
To the Svoboda Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will truly miss working with Ed. It has been an honor to work with him over the years.