Camp Courageous Mourns the Passing of Larry Edwards, Former WMT Radio General Manager

Camp Courageous is deeply saddened by the passing of Larry Edwards, 84, of Marion, Iowa. Larry was truly a wonderful person—a genuinely good, caring gentleman who was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Larry served as General Manager of WMT Radio for nine years, beginning in 1978. Those were transformational years for the station as WMT Radio separated from WMT-TV. At the time, it seemed almost impossible, but the wall literally went up through the middle of the building, and it happened! In October 1981, WMT-TV split from the radio operation after Guy Gannett purchased the television station and renamed it KGAN-TV. The change reflected the longstanding FCC convention of using “W” call letters east of the Mississippi River and “K” call letters west of it.

Throughout those years, Larry played a tremendous role in helping Camp Courageous grow. At any time, he could have said, “No more Camp Courageous promotions,” but instead, he opened the floodgates to some of the greatest growth in Camp history. Along with Leo Greco, Larry extended an extraordinary invitation: “Anytime you want to go on WMT for Camp Courageous, the mike is yours!”

This was an era when everything was local, and WMT Radio, under Larry’s leadership, helped make Camp Courageous a household name throughout Eastern Iowa. His generosity, support, and belief in Camp made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.

Sadly, another dear friend of Camp Courageous and WMT, Bobbie Bowman, also passed away within a couple of weeks of Larry.

Larry was a devoted member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection for 48 years. He shared his love of music by singing in the church choir and men’s group, and he generously gave Camp Courageous opportunities to share its mission with the congregation on many occasions.

Larry was also actively involved in numerous organizations, including the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Square Dance Callers, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, and the Linn County Master Gardeners. Through it all, Larry proudly wore his support for Camp Courageous on his sleeve.

Larry is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Marcia Edwards; his son, Chris (Lisa) Edwards; his daughter, Molly (Kurt) Hoover; and many other family members and friends.

I so fondly remember attending Larry and Marcia’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration at their church. Larry was a treasure, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

A Legacy of WMT and Camp Courageous

Dotty Cummins, wife of longtime WMT sports broadcaster Tait Cummins, was always quick to point out the tremendous role WMT played in putting Camp Courageous on the map and making it a household name, particularly throughout Eastern Iowa.

Last year, two key figures in that WMT legacy attended the Camp Courageous Waffle Breakfast and Open House. Pictured below, from left to right, are Camp Courageous Honorary Board Member and former WMT Program Director Randy Lee and former WMT General Manager Larry Edwards.

It was a hoot reminiscing with these two WMT icons and traveling down memory lane! So many exceptional and legendary personalities and staff members have passed through the doors of WMT Radio and TV at Broadcast Park in Cedar Rapids over the decades.

How fortunate Camp Courageous has been to be part of that remarkable history for half of WMT’s more than 100 years of broadcasting.

Larry’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering support helped shape the history of Camp Courageous. His legacy will live on through the countless lives touched by the Camp and the many people who will always remember him with gratitude and affection.

-Charlie Becker