Edwin M. Brillhart, Jr., 72, of De Leon, passed away May 10, 2018, with his loving wife Dixie and daughter Rebecca by his side. He was born November 7, 1945, in Ft. Worth, Texas to Edwin Brillhart, Sr. and Juanita Fay Peoples. Edwin married his loving wife of 52 years, Dixie LaVerne Dennis, August 26, 1966, in Stephenville, Texas.

Edwin and Dixie moved to De Leon in 1983 and owned and operated Industrial Alternators, Starters and Welders in De Leon. Edwin enjoyed many hobbies including metal art, industrial designs and philosophy. Edwin loved his family and was a devoted husband and father. At the young age of eighteen months, Edwin was placed in Lena Pope's direct care in Ft. Worth where she raised him until he was eleven when Ruby and Oran Nelson took permanent custody and raised him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dixie LaVerne Brillhart; daughters, Rebecca Halcomb and LeAnna Bledsoe and husband, Christopher; grandchildren, Pamela Merithew, Susan Phillips, Khristopher Halcomb, Shawn Halcomb, Zakarie Halcomb, Tripp Bledsoe and Cali Rain Bledsoe; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Edwin was preceded in death by his birth parents, Edwin Means Brillhart, Sr. and Juanita Faye Peoples; mother and father, Oran Robert Nelson and Ruby Mae Russell; siblings, Robert Nelson, Delores Ingram, Shirley Staton, June Nobles, Sidney Nelson, Dorothy Nelson, David Brake and Stanley Brake.

A memorial service celebrating Edwin's life will be held May 27, 2018, from 2-4:00 p.m. at North Side Church, De Leon. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the North Side Church (care of food pantry), De Leon.