Born in Berkeley in 1918, Edson Marker Pyle was raised during the depression in the Central Valley and in Long Beach. A survivor of the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, he attended Long Beach City College and Fresno State. He served honorably in the Army Air Corps’ 319th Bomb Squadron as a B-26 pilot during WWII, seeing action in the Mediterranean and North Africa. He wed Roberta Lee McAbee of San Juan in 1944. Upon returning from the war, he continued his military career with the California National Guard and settled in Hollister, where he and his wife raised their first two children. In 1956 they moved to San Jose where Mr. Pyle was an officer for the National Guard. He retired from FMC Corporation, having worked there for 20 years, never missing a day of work.
Edson Marker Pyle departed on his final mission October 9th at the age of 89. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Roberta. His daughters, Susan, Lori, and Terri, and their husbands, Robert, Garry, and Steve survive him. His son, Edson Marker Pyle, Jr, preceded him in death. He leaves ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his cherished dog, Pepper. Mr. Pyle enjoyed reading, working in his garage, displaying the American Flag, and drinking a cold beer! Heartfelt thanks go to Cedar Creek Alzheimer and Dementia Care and to Vitas Hospice. A tribute to his life will be held on Sunday, October 21st at 11:00 A.M. at Los Gatos Memorial Park on Los Gatos-Almaden Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marauder Historical Society, 3900 E. Timrod St., Tuscon, AZ 85711