Alan and Dawn Edes had just finished watching the Eagles upset the Patriots in Superbowl LII when they heard the sounds of fire trucks approaching their street and stopping nearby. Their hearts sank. It was just two months ago on Christmas Eve when fire trucks stopped in the neighborhood, one block down from their rental on West Kerr. The emergency lights were in front of the site of the new home they are building up the street. Their 2015 travel trailer was on fire. It was a total loss.
When the Edeses heard the sirens again, Alan quickly threw on some pants and a jacket and rushed outside. The fire trucks were back. This time, their new shop/shed was on fire. Both fires were ruled arson. No arrests have been made.
Alan retired from OTR trucking so he can care for his wife, Dawn. She is disabled because of Lupus, an incapacitating autoimmune disease. He continues to work part-time in construction. They are building a downsized home on West Kerr Street, where it will be easier for Dawn to get around, and where they can be a part of a friendly and supportive neighborhood.
But after the second fire, the Edeses were ready to abandon their nearly complete new home. The shed fire destroyed everything that meant anything to them. This included Dawn’s wedding dress and all of their wedding photos and memorabilia.
They lost all of their family photos, memories, and keepsakes, Alan’s grandmother’s antique china, and her antique roller skates. They lost antique family quilts and a jeans jacket autographed by the band Foghat which meant the world to Alan. In addition to their family heirlooms, they also lost most of their clothes, tools and household items. After an outpouring of support from their new neighbors, the Edeses have decided to stick it out.
While they have insurance, their insurance company is reluctant to pay both claims. And the Doling Neighborhood has started a fundraiser to help soften the blow. Some of the money raised has already gone to help the Edeses pay for a front porch on their new house, a porch that will soon welcome neighbors to their new home in Doling.
If you would like to help, go to youcaring.com/edesfamily or send a donation to the Doling Neighborhood Association at 334 E. Kearney Street #157, Springfield, MO, 65803.