Edward “Ed” Bradley Coulter, age 94, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2024. Born on August 19, 1930, in DeKalb, Illinois, he was the son of Delbert John and Virginia Mae (Ward) Coulter. His mischievous nature emerged early in life as he grew up with his brother, Kenny, and sister, Phyllis. Friends and family cherish countless memories of his spirited childhood adventures with favorite cousins, like raiding watermelon fields and tipping outdoor toilets.
Ed enlisted in the Air Force at a young age, serving his country in England, where he formed enduring local connections that enriched his later years. After returning to the U.S., he devoted himself to his roles as a husband, father, and a proud Local 1485 carpenter. In retirement, he embraced new passions, including chauffeuring—a perfect outlet for his love of conversation and storytelling.
Ornery, feisty, yet endlessly charming and kindhearted, Ed had a gift for spinning captivating tales and keeping everyone laughing. Long before the convenience of modernity, he made it a daily habit to check in on multiple family members, a gesture that exemplified his deep care for those he loved. He was a champion for human rights, a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, an animal lover—especially his dog, Rileigh, and his bird, Ima, who often perched on his shoulder—and a trusted confidant. Ed’s remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life ensured he never met a stranger.
Ed shared 65 wonderful years with his loving and patient wife, Barbara. Together, they built an interconnected family spanning two continents. He is survived by Barbara; his children: Janet (Paul) Broadhurst of England, Brad (Janice Hale) Baum of Missouri, Donna (Joe Walsh) DuBois of South Bend, David (Deanie) Coulter of Arkansas, Kevin (Kathy) Coulter of Texas, and Cara Smith of Valparaiso; as well as 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren (with another bun in the oven!), and two great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and countless others he impacted during his years on Earth. He took an express elevator to Heaven and is now reunited with his parents, brother Kenny Coulter, and sister Phyllis Jean Hiltpold.
Friends and family are invited to greet the family from 10:30-11:30 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church 103 N. Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Caring Place Women’s Shelter or the local food pantry.
Edward Bradley Coulter lived a long life full of unforgettable stories, kindness, and a unique charm that left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved (or didn’t like) him.
GUESTBOOK
I share my deepest, heartfelt condolences to all family members of Mister Ed Coulter! Ed was an incredibly wonderful human being! Always humble, caring, incredible human being! May God bless all family members, and loved ones of this wonderful human being! -David Ralph
Uncle Ed was only and favorite Uncle I’ve had in my life. I will never forget how caring, kind and fun he was. He had a wonderful life for 93 out of his life of 94 years, until illness took over. I'm very proud to say he was my uncle, and he is now resting peacefully with his parents, siblings and many, many friends and Ahlgrim family members. My deepest condolences to my only Auntie Barbara and my six cousins. Uncle Ed was truly one of a kind. -Chris Ahlgrim Urbanski
My deepest sympathies to the family. My mother and I loved Mr Ed whole heartedly. He would give the shirt of his back and had the biggest heart. My he rest in heaven with God watching over him. -Stephanie Maragos
I am so sorry to hear about Ed passing. He was very kind to me the short time I knew him. -Karen R Herd
Ed was all the fruits of the spirit. And he had lots of spirit! Countless days I’d get sucked into hours upon hours of stories and conversations that I cherished deeply. Time always flew talking in the living room with Ed and Barb and their love for their friends and family was evident. Ed watched out daily for my daughter coming home from school. Some days he’d offer her some of his garden grown tomatoes; and some days he’d say “aren’t you driving yet?” while she was all of 8 years old lol. We always looked forward to seeing our ole’ neighbor family/friends when we’d come back to Indiana for visits; and I’m so thankful we got to see Ed one last time over Thanksgiving. God blessed Ed with an amazingly adventurous life with his beautiful wife, and I’m so thankful to God that my family got to be part of it. Thank you for all the love. -Marissa Tillema
My sympathies. Ed will be missed. So appreciated his smile, his humor and his presence. -KAY a MORRIS
In 1950 a cheeky young G.I. arrived in England to serve his duty with the U.S. Air Force. Was England ready for young Mr. Coulter? After five years of war we were ready for him and all the other young American’s who came along with him. They were a ray of sunshine to war ravaged England, what with their neat blue uniforms, Old Spice aftershave, their refreshing mannerism not to mention their boyish American charm, it was very hard not to fall in love with them. Eddie fit the bill perfectly. Our family grew to love him and treated him like one of the family, many times we gave up our rations so he could enjoy a home cooked meal. After he completed his two year tour of duty he returned home to America. We thought about him and prayed he would have a good life, which he did. We missed him but had so many memories to remember, so we never forgot him. We pray for his wife and and lovely family at this very sad time, praying as they relive all of the beautiful years they shared with this very special person, -Jeanette (Pattullo) Land 01/06/2025. Kansas City. Kansas
