Edward Henry Bonekemper III, 75, of Willow Street, died December 9, 2017 of a brief and unexpected illness at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Hatfield, he was the son of the late Edward Bonekemper II and Marie (Adams) Bonekemper.

Ed was the loving husband of Susan (Weidemoyer) Bonekemper, and they observed their 53rd wedding anniversary in August of this year. He was a loved and adored uncle by numerous nieces and nephews of multiple generations. His mixture of wit, wisdom and compassion were unmatched.

Ed served as a U.S. government attorney for the Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation for more than 34 years. He retired from the transportation department as its lead lawyer in the hazardous materials division. He was given the U.S. Government Distinguished Career Service Award in 2003. He retired from the Coast Guard after 20 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Ed graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law in 1967. His love for history sent him back to school to earn a Master of Arts degree in history at Old Dominion University in 1971. Ed later went back to Muhlenberg to teach military history classes as an adjunct professor, and Muhlenberg honored him with the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Late in Ed's legal career, his passion for the Civil War led him to finish writing his first book, titled "How Robert E. Lee Lost the Civil War." Ed later wrote six more books. What has now become his final book, titled "The 10 Biggest Civil War Blunders," is set to be released in January of 2018. After retiring from his day job, Ed's new vocation became traveling the country to discuss the Civil War with round tables and history groups of people who shared his passion.

When not discussing the Civil War, Ed was traveling the country and abroad with his wife for leisure as they made many new friendships. Ed was a passionate Philadelphia sports fan rooting for the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Susan, is a brother, Kenneth Bonekemper of Lansdale.

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend Ed's Celebration of Life Ceremony at 10 a.m. on January 6, 2018. The celebration will be held in Thomas Auditorium on the Lakes Campus of the Willow Valley Retirement Community in Willow Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's memory can be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster PA 17601.