Edwin Ong

Edwin Ong, originally of Phoenix, Arizona and recently of FortWorth, Texas, went to be with his Lord on August 22, 2024 at the age of 88 while at home with his family in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a devoted husband to Marilyn (Likes) Ong, beloved father to Rebecca (and Matt) Torode, Brent Ong, and Kyla (and Jason) Norman, adoring grandfather to Ezekiel, Paisley, and Zachary Torode and Elijah Norman, dear brother to Irene Lim, Eugene Ong, Colleen Mar, Ying Ong Jr., Ernest Ong, Lawrence Ong, and Jerry Ong, as well as admiring uncle and treasured friend.

Edwin was born on April 13, 1936 in Phoenix, Arizona to Ying Ong Sr. and Lai Kan Szeto Ong, both of whom have preceded him in death (as well as siblings Irene Lim, Eugene Ong, Ying Ong Jr., and Jerry Ong). He was the fourth of eight children of industrious immigrant parents from Canton, China who became grocers in Phoenix. Their grocery store was the family business, and all the children understood the sacrifice necessary for success.

Edwin attended Garfield School (1st-5th grade), Edison School (6th-8th), Phoenix Union High School, Grand Canyon College (now University), and graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1960. He became a teacher in the Creighton School District, primarily in 4th grade at Squaw Peak and L. C. Kennedy Elementary Schools. He met Marilyn when his principal and friend introduced Edwin to a lady at his church. On March 29, 1975, they married and went on to have three children. Their one son, Brent Kyle, died as a very young child. After teaching for 31 years, Edwin retired and then became a custodian for a number of years at the same school at which he previously taught. He enjoyed seeing and talking with former students and always seemed to remember all of his students, even when he couldn’t quite remember their name.

Edwin accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as a youth. He loved participating in Royal Ambassadors as a student and then as a leader. He was a member of First Chinese Baptist Church, North Phoenix Baptist Church, and in recent years, First Baptist Church of Keller. He was especially grateful to his first pastor, mentor, and friend, Rev. G. Lawrence Stanley, who ministered to the Chinese immigrant community in Phoenix and introduced Edwin to Christ. Thrifty and pragmatic to the core, Edwin was also a kindhearted and humble soul. He loved history and was an avid reader throughout his life. In his last years, an open Bible was a constant companion and he used his time left in quiet study. His wife, Marilyn, preceded him in death in January 2024. They are now reunited, along with their cherished son, Brent.

Their hope has been fulfilled, their joy complete.

A graveside service will be held in his honor at 10:00am on August 30, 2024 at Bourland Cemetery in Keller, Texas.