Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.
Edward was born to Christian parents, Edward and Bonnie Lundwall, Sr. in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 18, 1930. He placed his faith in Jesus Christ and was born again spiritually when he was thirteen. He had a love for God’s Word and a deep desire to grow spiritually. He attributed his dad with teaching him to think deep. While growing up, his dad always had questions he would pose that never could be answered without deep thought, and even then, rarely answered outside of his added explanation. His dad was greatly admired and loved by him.
Edward attended the University of Houston, Tx. and graduated in 1952 with a BS in psychology, and minors in government and chemistry. Soon after graduating, he entered the army as a Lieutenant. During this time, God led him in a miraculous meeting with our mom, Marionette Shufford (passed 7/13/2007), they were married in Washington, D.C. on April 16, 1954.
After serving a term in the Korean war, he left the army to attend Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree. Dad and mom went into church planting, starting their first church in Escondido, Ca. While there, the three of us children, Paul, Debbie and Lora were born. In 1963, God led them to start their second church in Hatfield, Massachusetts.
While in Massachusetts, during the Vietnam War, there was a great need for Military Chaplains. Dad decided to reenlist back in the army as a Chaplain to go to Vietnam. Stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey in preparation for the chaplaincy, he graduated top of his class of 189 with honors. While at Fort Dix he had an army chapel, where he served as chaplain as well.
In 1968, dad was deployed to Vietnam, for a year. During this time, the family lived in Escondido, Ca., and were able to attend the church that our parents started years earlier. We remember many letters he wrote home that included Polaroid photos and the phone calls he made with so much static on the lines we could hardly hear him. He had the privilege of ministering to so many men that desperately needed hope carrying the daily burden of the high risk of dying on the field. As his children, we remember servicemen lined around the block to attend and hundreds coming to faith in Jesus Christ. From this, Dad was burdened with the fact, he couldn’t help them with growing in their newly found faith, as their time together was short.
After his service in Vietnam, he was deployed to Germany where we were all able to live together for three years. Again, God blessed his ministry there. After returning from Germany to the states, he was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Vietnam War had come to an end.
While still stationed at Fort Bragg, dad started brushing up on his Greek. In an intense study of Matthew 28:18-20, he realized that the true interpretation of these verses led to focus on “discipling,” not “going.” So, here began the agenda for the rest of his life's ministry. He made the difficult decision to leave the army when so many wanted him to continue to instead follow a calling to return to seminary and earn his Masters of Religious Education degree at Temple Theological Seminary in Chattanooga.
After obtaining his degree, he started a small home church to put into practice what he had studied regarding discipling. Dad sought to write a book on discipleship and the local church as well as develop materials and curriculum for churches to use. He had a non-stop desire to share with pastors and teachers. He was an amazing short-term counselor. He loved to share his faith in Christ.
After mother passed away in 2007, he never ceased doing what he felt God had called him to. His writings he sent to countries around the world that were thirsty for how to help Christians come to a mature walk in Christ.
Just a few weeks before his passing, Lora asked him if she could clean up a large stack of mail. He said he wasn’t finished with the return envelopes. She asked why? He said, “I like to pray over them and return them with a verse or gospel track”. He was 93 and still found a way to share! That story was an inspiration to us all!
One of the verses we remember learning under him in our youth was, John 8:31-32. “So, Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, if you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Our dad will be known as a man of great passion and drive in helping others grow in the full knowledge of God. In gratefulness for our Dad, love Paul, Debbie and Lora.
Survivors include his son, Paul Lundwall; daughter, Deborah (Michael) Slaney and Lora (David) Miller; sister, Joy McLearn; granddaughter, Julie Moya; Grandsons, Joey Miller, Ben, David and Caleb Slaney; six great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 14, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Franklin-Strickland Chapel.
Funeral service will follow at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Chris Linderman officiating.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to Israel project with Samaritan’s Purse.
Arrangements are entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, 423 265-4414.
Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com