Edward Roe Floyd, of Grimes, Iowa, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family Monday, August 22nd 2022. He was just four days shy of 71. Son of Robert Floyd and Jennieve Haste, Ed was born on August 26th, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri. He embodied his love for the outdoors at an early age and you could find him either riding his bike or helping himself to the fruit and vegetables in the garden. The Floyd family made their way up to Iowa and settled in Des Moines where he then attended Tech high school. After graduating, likewise to his father, Ed’s love of travel led him to becoming a truck driver in which he commenced for 45 years. As Ed would say to his sons, “I have more miles on the road backing up than you do going forward”
Ed met Brenda (Graves) of Grimes in October of 1977 and after only a couple months of knowing each other they married December 22nd of the same year. Eventually the couple would welcome two boys, Luke and Jake. Dedicated to his career, Ed was proud to inspire the boys with the importance of hard work and would often take them along in the truck for weeks at a time making up for the time he couldn’t be at home.
Later in life Brenda and Ed would travel in their camper giving them a hint of what life without working would be like. For Ed, retirement was an exciting thought. He worked hard for many years and the idea of getting to continue to travel without having to be told where to go was what motivated him most. He enjoyed his time down south with his feet in the sand while searching for the perfect seashell to add to his wife's collection. This is what life is supposed to feel like.
September 2017 is when his biggest wish came true. Retirement. The working days are over and he is ready to conquer the life of taking it easy. Unfortunately life had other plans for Ed. He began to have trouble with his mobility which eventually led to full muscular deterioration. After being seen by multiple neurologists, It wasn’t until 2020 that he would be diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Though Ed didn’t get to enjoy the full retirement experience he had been dreaming about, Brenda and family made sure to make the best out of every moment. Ed and Brenda didn‘t cease camper life until 2021. “Don’t wait” Ed said, “do it while you still can, you never know the day that will arrive that you can’t."
Ed is survived by his wife Brenda (Graves), children Luke (Jen) Floyd, Jake (Nicole) Floyd, Timothy (Tabitha) Johnston, grandchildren Keelee, Garrett, Brady, Zack, Chris, Hannah, brother Robert and many nieces and nephews. Ed is preceded in death by his Mother Jennieve, Father Robert, Grandparents Gustave and Dora, Brother Ray, Daughter Baby Girl Floyd, and Grandson Alec Floyd.
There will be no funeral service but instead a Celebration of Life on September 1Oth 1pm-4pm at the Grimes Community Center, located at 410 SE Main St. Grimes, IA 50111. In lieu of flowers, and PSP education, please send donations to the CurePSP website at https://www.psp.org/