Medo or Medid


Remembering Doug “Medo” Edgar: A St. Charles Original

By Jerry Buchanan



Every town has a few people who become part of its everyday heartbeat. In St. Charles, one of those people was Doug “Medo” Edgar—a man whose steady presence, easy laugh, and quiet devotion to his hometown left a mark that still lingers today. Most people called him Medid but some like me called him Medo. I am not sure how he got his nickname other than a rumor that one he responded to a question and said me did it. People in St, Charles were quick to give nickname to some of the locals. For example, a man named Silvester always carried an umbrella, come rain or shine. One friend gave me the nickname "nickel". I owed him an nickel and never paid it back and every time he saw me would say 'hello nickel. In St, Charles nick names follow you for life, 

The son of Judge and Maxine (Herron) Edgar, Medo or Medid grew up in a lively household alongside his sisters Betty and Lois and his four brothers. The Edgar children ran the railroad grades and played ball on dusty fields, coming of age during the final, vibrant years of the coal-camp era. It was in these years that Medo developed the dependable, big-hearted nature that made him someone people naturally trusted. 

The Rhythm of the Town

Most folks remember Medo for his dedicated work with the Town of St. Charles. He was the man who kept the streets clean and the sidewalks clear, showing up early and taking immense pride in his work even as the coal days faded. In a small community, the person who tends to the physical town becomes part of its daily rhythm. Medo was that rhythm.

A Friendly Face at Dot’s

Beyond the streets, Medo was a fixture at Dot Lanningham’s restaurant, the local go-to for the best hot dogs in town. Dot’s wasn’t just a business; it was a sanctuary for miners, teachers, and school kids alike. Behind the counter, Medo provided the kind of warm, welcoming presence that made a simple meal feel like a visit with family.

Laughter Around the Table

Then there were the legendary penny-ante poker nights. Medo loved a good game, and he and his wonderful wife frequently opened their home to friends. While the stakes were small, the laughter was always big. Those evenings—filled with teasing, storytelling, and simple joy—remain some of the most treasured memories for those lucky enough to pull up a chair.

Doug “Medo” Edgar never sought the spotlight, but he didn’t need to. His legacy lives on in the swept sidewalks, the lingering memory of Dot’s hot dogs, the echoes of laughter around a kitchen table, and the quiet truth that St. Charles was a better place because he was in it. part of it.

 


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