Longtime Fast Eddie’s owner dead of apparent suicide

The longtime proprietor of Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton was found dead Wednesday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to county officials.

Edward R. Sholar Sr., 61, of Alton, was found dead in his home by his son, Edward Jr., at 10:55 a.m. Wednesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the coroner’s office has determined that he died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

GUESTBOOK: Offer your condolences to the family of Edward R. Sholar Sr.

The weapon was found in his hand, and investigators said they found a note with funeral instructions in his home. There were no signs of violence or a struggle, according to a statement from the Madison County Coroner’s Office.

Fast Eddie’s was founded as an Anheuser-Busch tavern in 1921, which the brewery sold to the Balasco family in 1931. Fifty years later, Sholar purchased the nightspot. Under his ownership, Fast Eddie’s quadrupled in size and added a food bar and featured regular live entertainment. He also added a large outdoor patio where smoking was still permitted.

Sholar turned operation of the business over to his son some time ago.

Family members told investigators that he had no history of suicidal behavior, but had been “sometimes dispirited” by declining health and loss of quality of life from chronic medical issues.

In a statement issued through the coroner’s office, the Sholar family indicated they will continue to operate Fast Eddie’s “as part of his legacy,” but request privacy in their time of mourning.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Gent Funeral Home of Alton.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Longtime Fast Eddie’s owner dead of apparent suicide."