Edward Rockwell

Born in Grafton, West Virginia, and raised in Washington, Pennsylvania, Edward L. Rockwell was one of two sons of Laura and James Rockwell. His parents and brother predeceased him but were loved and revered throughout his life. After a period of declining health, Mr. Rockwell passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011 in the presence of his wife of 61 years, Myrna and his son and daughter, David and Gayle. Their spouses, Robin Rockwell and Jeff Helmling were also present to provide comfort and support. Mr. Rockwell and his brother were both outstanding athletes having been named to the Hall of Fame (football) for their respective colleges, and both played in bowl games won by their teams. They went on to have successful careers as football coaches, as teachers and as school administrators. Mr. Rockwell served in the South Pacific and China during World War II, and served again during the Korean Conflict. He was a Deacon and Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church until declining health made it impossible to continue. He actively supported church renovations, feeding the needy, and how ever else he was needed. Thousands of students and hundreds of Prince George teachers will long remember his fairness, his encouragement, and his support for their ambitions. He was assistant principal of Prince George High school from 1965 until 1976 when he became the first principal of N. B. Clements Junior High until retiring in 1991. Mr. Rockwell is survived by his devoted wife, Myrna; his son, David Rockwell (Robin); daughter, Gayle Helmling (Jeff); a grandson, Luke E. Rockwell (Shannon); sister-in-law, Marilyn Carter (Glenn); brother-in-law, Wyatt Weeks, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in the Petersburg Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3935 S. Crater Road, with the Reverend Tom Lowman officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite charity or send a donation to the Memorial Fund of Covenant Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1566, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.