Edward Melvin Wooten, Jr., age 83 years, passed away with family by his side Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Service: 11:00 am, Friday, January 30, 2026, Biggers Funeral Chapel, 6100 Azle Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76135 to reminisce, grieve, and support each other.

Interment: 3:30 pm, Friday, Elmwood Cemetery, Abilene, Texas.

Visitation: 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 29, 2026 Biggers Funeral Home.

Edward was born on September 27, 1942 in Thankful Community to Edward Melvin Wooten, Sr. and Beatrice J. (Baldwin) Wooten. He dedicated his life to family, the military, and service in his community.

As a young man growing up in a loving family of nine, Edward knew he had to rely on his strength, ingenuity, and humor to help his family take care of the Wooten family farm. He worked long hours with his sisters to clear the land, plant vegetables, feed the farm animals, and going to school in which his Aunt Cornelia, Grandmother Eloise Wooten, and other cousins served as the teachers. For fun, he played football, baseball, and basketball with his brother and cousins. He was a proud graduate of Center Grove School, attended Prairie View A & M University (on the hill) majoring in mechanical engineering. Edward lived his life learning new skills and making others smile with his good nature. He earned the 33rd and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States (Prince Hall Affiliation) on September 27, 1974. Throughout his life he was also a romantic at heart.

In the 83 years that Edward lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a papason, an uncle, and a friend. Edward truly had a heart and spirit of gold with unyielding integrity. He was one of the founding members of the Wooten Family reunion starting in 2005. He always looked out for others, tolerant of many situations with a calm demeanor, a patient ear, a meal for the hungry, or his arms for a hug. Edward attended all major family events, remained a constant presence for his work colleagues at Pep Boys, and he was fully present, 100% of the time, for his loving wife, Jenny. Edward lived for his happiness as well as the happiness of others.

Edward proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1991, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His military career took him to various parts of the world, where he was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned numerous commendations for his bravery and leadership throughout his service. On July 17, 1968, he was awarded The Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight (May 8, 1968 to June 28, 1968). Later, on March 22, 1979, he was awarded The Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for meritorious service between June 28, 1976 and January 31, 1979. While serving in the Vietnam War, he was member of an elite program which flew on the AC-47 legendary aircraft known as "Puff the Magic Dragon" where several successful missions were completed. His son, Edward Melvin Wooten, III followed his footsteps into the U.S. Airforce where he achieved the rank of Captain where he was a B-1B Weapon Systems Officer (WSO). Edward's commitment to his country was unwavering, and he was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

Following his distinguished military service, he continued to serve his community. Edward enjoyed listening to music, traveling with his daughter Sonja and his family, raising cattle, and volunteering at the local VA. Known for his dedication, fairness, and compassion for others, he left a lasting impact on those he loved, served, and worked alongside.

Edward is survived by his wife, Jenny; his stepdaughter, Leslie Fayad; stepson, Yohannes Wardwell (Lee Anne); his sisters, Shirley B. Harris, Faye D. Hastings (Julius C.); Gloria J. Slaughter, Marilyn D. Robinson; brother, Lorinzo C. Wooten; and daughter-in-law, Angela Nicolini-Starr. His nephews and nieces, Clarence Harris, Elisa Eaden, Dr. Julia Hastings, Cecilia Hastings, Dr. Corliss Winters (Rick), Delicia Broussard, Jacqueline Money, Cynthia DeWalt, Quincy Conner, LaKeisha R. Wooten, Chinita Riggs, LaToya Eaden; four grandchildren, Alliett Fayad, Evan Smith Wardwell, Olivia Wardwell, & Cason Wardwell; several grandnephews, grandnieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charlene Conner; former wife, Victoria (Sung Yon); daughter, Sonja; and son, Edward Melvin Wooten, III.

His legacy of service, love, and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends.