Edward R. Metzger, ADR1/AFCM, USN, (Ret.)Born Oct. 28, 1938
Died Feb. 27, 2012
VW-1 65-67 TE-5
EDWARD R. METZGER, AFCM, U.S. Navy, Retired, 73, of Inverness, died Monday, February 27, 2012 at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Edward was born on October 28, 1938 in Meriden, Connecticut, to the late George and Helen Metzger. Ed and his family moved to Inverness in 1996 from Connecticut.
He retired from the US Navy as a Master Chief, with 26 years of service. During his Naval career, he was a flight engineer on the "Willie-Victors", Typhoon Hunters, stationed in Guam. In 1999, Edward founded the "VW-1 All Hands Alumni Association", and was currently serving as President.
The squadrons and commands Ed served in during his navy career are shown below.
- NTC Bainbridge, MD Nov. '55 - Feb. '56
- VAH-7 Feb. '56 - Dec. '59 Sanford, FL
- NAS Brunswick, ME Dec. '59 - Dec. '63
- NATTC Memphis, TN Jan. '64 - May '64 (B School)
- Air Barron Pac June '64 - July '65 Barbers'Point, HI
- VW-1 July '65 - July '67 Guam
- NATTC Memphis, TN July '67 - April '72
- VS-28 April '72 - June '76 Quonset Point, RI/ Cecil Field, FL
- VX-1 June '76 - July -'79 Patuxent River, MD
- VP - 8 July '79 - Oct. '80 Brunswick, ME
He was also an enthusiastic bass fisherman and was a member of a local fishing club competing in many fishing tournaments through out the South East.
Edward is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Sally; his son, Dan Metzger of Anchorage, Alaska; his daughter, Kristi (Edward) Hardgrove of Higganum, CT; his brother, Rudy (Judy) Metzger of Dunnellon, 6 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kerri Lynn, in 2001.
Funeral services for Master Chief Metzger were conducted on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 12:30 pm from the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, in Inverness. Burial with Military Honors were given at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. The ashes of Ed's daughter, Kerri Lynn, were interred with Ed. Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Friday from 11:30 am until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to: Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc., P.O. Box 6163, Ocala, FL 34478, or e-mail ocalaroyaldames@gmail.com.
for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know,
it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone,
a part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
A million times we've needed you. A million times we've cried.
If love could only have saved you, you never would have died.
The Lord be with you
And May You Rest in Peace.
Amen.
A tribute to Ed Metzger by Sydnie Gergal
