Paul Edens

(From Parker Mortuary)

Paul Barton Edens, age 87, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Joplin Health and Rehabilitation Center in Joplin.

Paul was born April 19, 1927 in Diamond, Missouri, son of the late Louie Earl Edens and Edna T. Brock Edens. He grew up in the Diamond area and attended Silver Moon Schools. He worked for Burtrum Motors for many years before working with Crockett Oil from which he retired in 1991. He then worked at the Joplin Holiday Inn in the maintenance department for some time after his retirement.

While Paul worked hard all his life taking care of his family, his real passion was to spread the Gospel. He preached for 20 years at several churches as their pastor, and was also a traveling evangelist holding many revival meetings. He was a member of Silver Moon Full Gospel Church near Diamond. It was said of Paul that he enjoyed life to the fullest, and was a "story teller" that kept everyone's attention. He excelled at pitching horse shoes among other talents.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by six brothers, and his three sisters including his twin sister, Pauline; also three grandchildren, Doug Miller, Wes Miller, and Lucinda Miller; and a great-grandson, Christopher Brashears.

Paul married Gladys O'Neal on June 23, 1945 in Columbus, Kansas, she survives. Additional survivors include their children, Kathy Miller and husband Charles of Joplin, Marilyn Sue Hartman and husband Chris of Wichita, Kansas, Brenda Wilton and husband Rick of Joplin, and Paul D. Edens and wife Donna also of Joplin; six grandchildren, Kim Gates and husband Scott of Wichita, Titia Miller of Joplin, Tonya Williams and husband Tony of Webb City; Ashlea Burkhart and husband Patton of Joplin, Cassi Edens of Joplin, and Cara Bradshaw and husband Ryan of Carthage, Missouri; eleven great-grandchildren, Scott, Steven, Skyler, Tyler, Payton, Ashton, Zakk, Jordan, Josh, Gatlin, and Hali; two great-great-grandchildren, Sydney and Andrew.

Funeral services will be Monday, July 14, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Virgil Eubanks officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service at Parker Mortuary.

Private burial will occur at a later date in Diamond Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the family in care of Parker Mortuary to help with final expenses.

The family will be at the home of Rick and Brenda Wilton in Duquesne, Missouri.