Edward Hugh Rawles of White Heath passed away suddenly from an aortic aneurysm on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. He was 69.

An accomplished attorney, he successfully advocated for his clients across a wide range of legal issues. Raised in Champaign, he attended St. Mary's and Holy Cross schools and was in the Class of '63 at Champaign Senior High. Ed was an alum of the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and received his law degree from Chicago Kent, where he was valedictorian.

He is survived by his daughters, Lee Rawles and Jacklyn Dixon; and son-in-law Justin Dixon, who will always cherish the devotion he showed to them.

He was a man who threw himself into many interests and hobbies, including scuba diving, photography, golf, hunting, fishing, gymnastics, model building, tennis, cycling and racing cars. Ed was a founding member of the Falling Illini skydiving club. He had a deep love of nature and the outdoors, and particularly enjoyed his work as a master gardener with the UI Extension.

He was very involved in many professional organizations, including the Champaign County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He was a member of Champaign Rotary West for many years.

Ed is also survived by his brother, Fred (Pam) Rawles; his sister, Mary Anne (Bob) Mulcahey; his cousin, Mary Jo (Alfie) Kupst; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other family members, who will all miss him deeply. His former wives, Donna Schultz Anderson and Peg O'Donoghue, also survive him, as do their many fond memories.

The family will hold a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West in Savoy, and a Mass at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in memory of Ed to the Master Gardeners Program, UI Foundation, 1305 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801.