BUSINESS MEMO: A.G. EDWARDS EXEC DIES

Presley W. Edwards, retired chairman of the St. Louis-based A.G. Edwards Inc., died March 16 in Naples, Fla.

Edwards, a native of St. Louis, was a grandson of the founder of A.G. Edwards, Albert Gallatin Edwards. Presley Edwards worked with the brokerage firm from 1925, starting as a messenger. He became a partner in the company in 1929, and was named managing partner in 1935.

In 1965, the day-to-day management responsibilities were assumed by Presley Edwards' son, Benjamin F. Edwards III, the firm's current chairman and chief executive.

Presley Edwards remained as chairman of the board until 1983 when he was named chairman emeritus.

A.G. Edwards today is the fourth largest brokerage firm in the nation, with 597 offices, including one at Cape Girardeau.

The firm has more than 13,700 employees.