EDWARD R. BURNEY, age 68, of Valparaiso and St. James Plantation, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at Saint Mary Medical Center. Edward was born February 2, 1944 in Lumberton, NC and moved to Hobart, Indiana over 50 years ago. Edward married Susan Conrad on July 17, 1965 in Glen Park. He was employed at Ford Motor Co. in Chicago Heights and was a member of the UAW. While his children were growing up Edward enjoyed coaching little league baseball and youth basketball. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing, and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Edward is survived by his wife, Susan; 2 sons, Kevin (Laura) Burney of Hopkinton, MA and Ryan (Anne) Burney of Avon, IN; 4 grandchildren, Madison, Michael, Joseph & Griffin Burney; mother, Evelyn Hill of Fairmont, NC; 1 brother; 8 sisters; other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father-in-law, Lowell A. Conrad.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

A funeral service for Edward will be Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart with Rev. David Nykamp officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation will be Monday, April 9, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.