Ed Sorrels

Edward “Ed” Anthony Sorrels passed away May 18th 2026 at home in Elk Horn, IA on hospice.

Edward, the oldest of three boys, was born July 1, 1945 in Columbia, South Carolina, to John and Elizabeth (Cooper) Sorrels. After World War II ended Edward and his parents moved to southern California, where his father finished dentistry. His two brothers, Ronald and Thomas, joined the family during those years. Ed graduated from high school from Newbury Park Adventist Academy in 1963. He started his lifelong love of music and singing at an early age, being part of quartets and choirs his whole life. His sense of pitch was well tuned, and his eyebrows always would tell the tale if someone did not get to the right note. He later attended La Sierra University in California, graduating with a BS in Business administration, an Associate of Computer Technology in 1976. During his time at La Sierra he met Marjorie Nixon, and they sang in Chamber singers, having the privilege to travel Europe and sing at many churches during the summer of 1971. Ed and Marjorie were Married June 18, 1972, and were blessed with almost 54 years of marriage.

He chose to work in healthcare for the majority of his career. With nearly 30 years spent in health care administration, primarily in nursing homes in Oregon and Washington state. Ed had many interests and hobbies, most of them centered on things that helped him go faster. He loved racing, flew full size gliders, and always wanted to build a boat after sailing catamarans in California. He also really enjoyed motorcycles, however decided to switch to bicycles after some close calls with Semi Trucks. Ed had a great sense of humor and wit, loved volunteering with Christian radio throughout his life. A voracious reader, he always had a book, and then eBook in later years. He was a much loved, father, grand-father, Great uncle, husband and son.

Ed and Marjorie moved from the Pacific Northwest to Elk Horn in 2009, to be closer to their daughter, after Ed had several heart attacks. This made it possible for the grandsons to run across the street after school and always get a good visit with Papa (Ed) and cookies from Nana (Marjorie). The last several years have been marred by progressive macular degeneration and dementia. Despite this he tried to learn ways to use his tablet to get things large enough to read. He always had his classical music playing, and Marjorie reading to him when he could not see well enough anymore.

Ed made it clear to all that his hope is in Jesus. He will see us all at the great resurrection when God comes to take us home.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie (Nixon) Sorrels of Elk Horn IA. Daughter & Son -in Law Terry & Shannon Sorrels Peterson and grandsons Joseph, Michael, and Alex Peterson of Elk Horn Iowa. Daughter in Law Tammy Sorrels of Lancaster, California. Grand-daughter Nicole (William) Sorrels and Nicholas Sorrels of Lancaster California. Brother Ronald (Myrna) Sorrels of Loma Linda California. Many nephews, nieces, and great nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, John & Elizabeth Sorrels, Brother Thomas Sorrels, step daughter Denise Tuttle-Sorrels, son Jonathan Lee Sorrels, grandson Jonathan Nolan Sorrels, and first wife Janet Tuttle-Varner.

The family would like to thank his friends for their care and condolences; and the Myrtue Hospice team for their wonderful care, kindness and support during his illness.

A celebration of Life will be held June 27th, at 4pm, at the West Exira Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2723 Goldfinch Avenue in Rural Exira. A light supper will follow. Interment will be private with family at the Clay Cemetery in rural Shelby county at a future date.

In Lieu of flowers, memoriam requested to be directed to Myrtue Medical Center Hospice or the Hope Channel International (https://hopechannelinternational.org/)