Retired Maj. Gen. Edsall dies

Retired Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Edsall, who served as Nevada’s adjutant general from 1967-80, died Jan. 29 at the age of 92.

Edsall rose through the ranks during his 36-year military career. He was commissioned an Army lieutenant, fought in Europe during World War II and was awarded the Silver Star and three Bronze stars. After returning to Nevada in 1946, Edsall remained active in the Army Reserve and Nevada Army National Guard while he continued his education at the University of Nevada.

In 1964, Edsall was promoted to colonel. Three years later, he was appointed Nevada’s adjutant general with the rank of major general. He served as president of the Adjutants General Association from 1972-75. In 1974 under his direction, the Nevada Military Department Headquarters Complex was built in Carson City. During his tenure as adjutant general, the authorized strength of the Nevada National Guard doubled.

Edsall was elected to the executive council of the National Guard Association of the United States in 1978. That year, the Sixth U.S. Army Commander assigned at the Presidio of San Francisco awarded Edsall the Legion of Merit for recognition in developing recruiting incentives that were subsequently adopted nationally. In 1980, Edsall retired as adjutant general. After his retirement, President Jimmy Carter awarded the Distinguished Service Medal to Edsall in recognition of 12 years as adjutant general.

Edsall is also a member of the Infantry Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Ga. In addition, the Maj. Gen. Floyd L. Edsall Nevada Army National Guard Training Center was built in Las Vegas in his honor.

Edsall was a graduate of Sparks High School, where he lettered in three sports — track, football and basketball. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in education, both from the University of Nevada. While at Nevada, he was a four-year letterman in track and field and played for two years on the football team.

Edsall will also be remembered as a longtime educator in Nevada. He began his teaching career in 1947, also coaching football, basketball, wrestling and track. In 1949, the Edsall family moved to Elko, where he taught, coached and served as athletic director for eight years. In 2007, Edsall was inducted into the Elko High School Hall of Fame. While in northeastern Nevada, Edsall managed the Elko County Fair and was a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

Edsall became the head coach at his alma mater, Sparks High, in 1957 and accepted a similar position at the university in 1959. He coached football and track for eight years and also was a health and physical education professor.

A service will be held at the Veterans Military Cemetery in Fernley at a later date. At Edsall’s request, a private family gathering will be held.

Edsall was preceded in death by his daughter, Trudie Arentz; son, Leonard Edsall; and grandson Alex Lebedoff.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, LaVerne; brother, Glenn Edsall; and daughters Cheryl Tenk (Brick), Susan McCartin (Kevin) and Brenda Lebedoff; son-in-law, Sam Arentz; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.