Obituary of Edwin L. Biggers

Ed Biggers was born in 1935 in Martinez California and passed away March 1, 2024 in Tucson, AZ after a sudden heart attack during his walk on a picturesque afternoon. Although 88 at the time of his death, Ed was known for his youthful liveliness, insatiable curiosity, spirit of adventure, love of nature, sense of humor and the joy of Christ that exuded from him.

The son of James and Edna Biggers, Ed grew up in Fresno California with his two brothers, Bob and Dave. He excelled in academics and leadership and proudly earned a place at the Naval Academy in Annapolis where he graduated in 1957. The following three years were spent serving in the US Air Force as a second lieutenant. He met his first wife Joan while stationed in Denver and they eventually settled in the Los Angeles area where they raised their two children, were very active in the Simi Church of Christ (where Ed served as an elder) and enjoyed having extended family close by. Ed was awarded a Masters of Science Fellowship to study engineering at UCLA and also received a graduate degree from the executive program of the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He enjoyed a rewarding career as an aeronautical engineer with Hughes Aircraft. In 1982 Ed and Joan relocated to Tucson (and their children eventually followed) where he advanced to the role of President of the Missile System Group at Hughes (which later became Raytheon). Under his steady leadership, over 3000 jobs were brought to Tucson with the acquisition of General Dynamics in 1992. Ed strongly supported the concept that the best national offense was a strong defense and spent six years as a member of the Defense Science Board, an advisory group for the United States Secretary of Defense.

Upon his retirement in 1994 Ed poured himself into a life of service and philanthropy, which was a tangible expression of his Christian faith, love of the Tucson community and desire to be a servant leader. Over the years he was tirelessly active on many boards and committees, including The Tucson Airport Authority (where he served as Chair in 2014), The United Way, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, the Industrial Advisory Council of the University of Arizona School of Engineering, The Habitat for Humanity Advisory Council and the Tucson Young Life Metro Committee and was also very involved in service as an elder at Mountain Avenue Church of Christ. Somewhat of a renaissance man, Ed loved the arts, music and sports and had a full calendar due to season tickets to the Tucson Symphony, Arizona Theater Company, The Fox Theater, Arizona Football and Arizona Basketball, rarely missing a game of his beloved Wildcats. Ed had a passion for contributing positively to the lives of young people and channeled that focus by serving enthusiastically at Pepperdine University (the alma mater of both of his children, stepchildren and grandson), as Chairman to the Board of Regents for 15 years and he loved being actively involved in many of the school’s programs.

Ed was fortunate to have enjoyed a beautiful marriage with his first wife Joan for over 53 years. Several years after her passing, he was doubly blessed to spend over ten happy years of marriage with Paula Fong Biggers who brought so much love into his life, along with many new adventures, travel, family and friends which he embraced to the fullest. He was devoted to his family and especially delighted in being with his grandchildren.

With the scripture “It is better to give than receive” as a personal motto, one of the greatest joys of Ed’s life was being abundantly generous with his time, wisdom, energy and resources. He was a mighty example of living a life true to the calling he had received.

Ed was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years Joan (Selle) and his son Philip Biggers (age 45) and his brother Bob. He leaves behind his wife Paula (Lee) Fong Biggers; daughter and son-in law Deborah and Gary Weiss; grandson Matthew Weiss and wife Maria (Lawler) ;granddaughter Olivia Weiss; stepson Mathew Fong and family (wife Evelyn and sons Kip and Maverick); stepdaughter Jade (Fong) Freeman and family (husband Sam and children Sammie and

Scottie); as well as his brother Dave (and wife Sharon) and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Biggers, along with many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held as follows:

Visitation - Friday March 22, 2024 from 4pm - 7pm

Brings Broadway Chapel

6910 E. Broadway Blvd

Tucson AZ 85710

Celebration of Life - Saturday March 23, 2024 at 10:30am

Catalina Foothills Church

2150 E. Orange Grove Rd

Tucson AZ 85718

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s honor to:

Habitat for Humanity Tucson

3501 N. Mountain Ave

Tucson, AZ 85719