Obituary of Eddie Dean Wiles

Eddie D. Wiles, 58, of Kalamazoo, passed from this world on Friday, October 21, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Dowagiac, Michigan on June 23, 1964 to the late Spencer Wiles and Viva Chadwick on a beautiful summer day.

After graduating from high school Eddie went on to get his license in cosmetology.  This path led him to meet many wonderful clients who ended up becoming more like family. Family was everything to Eddie.   He looked forward to anytime they could all be together, and he always showed up with a gift in hand; food, flowers, or some other thoughtful gift that seemed just perfect to the recipient.

Eddie loved to travel, and took a great many trips both in the United States and abroad; he planted his feet on several different countries including Cuba.  His latest adventure took him to Alaska where he spent some time with family.

The University of Michigan had a loyal fan with Eddie, he was there to root on his team win or lose.   He and Jason would attend home games and his tailgating was legendary.  It was amazing what Eddie could do with his little Webber grill. 

He was an avid concert attendee even having the opportunity to be close enough to Tina Turner that he was “christened” with a few droplets of her sweat.  He looked forward to trips to the casino and loved an opportunity to try out a new brewery or distillery.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Viva. 

He is survived by his siblings; Ron Davis, Judith Swanson, Megan laRue and Mark Wiles, his special friends, Lori Phillips and Ginny Ryan, his nephew and nieces; Adam, Sara, and Kristy, his special babies, great nieces and nephews; Violet, Darius, and Atlas who will no doubt hear all about Uncle Eddie, and his godchildren; Whitman and Natalie.

The best way to honor Eddie is to carry on his positive attitude.  Eddie truly wanted to somehow to make the lives around him better, regardless if they were family, friend, or even a stranger in the store.  Eddie started a tradition where he would purchase flowers for his mother on his birthday, just another of his thoughtful traits.  So, in honor of Eddie, reach out to someone you know, pick up the phone to see how you loved ones are, take the trip, or drop off a bouquet of flowers, and please with a glisten in your eye and a crooked smile, say “PDMS, If you know, you know”.