Jerry Edwards

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Jerry Leon Edwards, 73, of Sarcoxie, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Sarcoxie Nursing Center.

Jerry was born on Sunday, January 14, 1951, in rural Jasper County, Missouri to the union of Walter "Slim" and Betty (Reynolds) Edwards. Jerry grew into a man admired for his loving nature, friendly demeanor, and gentle spirit. His life was a testament to the strength of family, the joy of the outdoors, and the importance of community.

Jerry was a proud graduate of Sarcoxie High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships and developed a strong sense of loyalty to his hometown. After graduation, he embarked on a career in oil delivery sales for Pennzoil, which allowed him to connect with and serve his community in a tangible way. Later, he took on a role with the Sarcoxie School District, where he continued to contribute to the town he loved until his retirement. He and Sandy attended New Beginning Church of the Nazarene in Sarcoxie.

Family was the cornerstone of Jerry's life. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandy Edwards, sharing forty-nine wonderful years of memories. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including their children, April Dawn Jones and her husband, Edward, of Sarcoxie, Jeremy Hugh Edwards and his wife, Ashley, of Greenfield, Wendi Diane Malotte and her husband, Rocky, of Sarcoxie, and Alisha Lynn Navarette and her husband, John, of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, grandchildren, Logan Jones, (Clarissa), Conor Jones, (Naccona), Willow Hine, (Rhys), Lillie Jones, Jobe Edwards, (Riley), Xander Edwards, (Kaydence), Emery Edwards, Joseph Edwards, Landon Malotte, (Latisha), Jaron Malotte, (Kyezer), Galton Malotte, Jaydon Malotte, Baylon Malotte, Alyssa Graham and Annabella Navarette; great-grandchildren, Iris Jones, Lorelei Jones, Henry Jones, Liam Jones, Renly Clark, Ilithyia Clark, Edie Hine, Mattix Malotte and Wesley Malotte; siblings, Joe Edwards (Gayla) of Webb City, Jackson Edwards (Pat) of Carthage, Jennie Edwards and Jeanie Root both of Sarcoxie; mother-in-law, Sandra Williams, of Sarcoxie; sister-in-law, Lucille Edwards, Rigby, Idaho; special friends David and Beverly Lee and Kathy Endicott; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jim Edwards, Joyce Maggard and Janet Edwards; and father-in-law, Wesley Williams.

An avid outdoorsman, Jerry's love for hunting and fishing was only surpassed by his passion for watching his grandchildren's sporting events. He found great joy in the simplicity of camping trips and caring for his cows. To Jerry, these moments were not just hobbies but opportunities to connect with the natural world and to teach his grandchildren the value of patience and respect for nature.

Funeral services for Jerry are 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with pastor James Humphrey officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Logan Jones, Conor Jones, Jobe Edwards, Xander Edwards, Landon Malotte, Jaron Malotte and Galton Malotte; honorary pallbearers will be Mattix Malotte, Henry Jones and Liam Jones. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In-lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sarcoxie Athletic Department for a football field tunnel entrance for players in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.