David Edwards

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

David Leroy Edwards, aged 82 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri on Friday, March 29, 2024. 

He was born in the family home at Galena, Kansas, on November 11, 1941, to June (Messer) Edwards and Harold “Boots” Edwards. He attended grade school at the two-roomed schoolhouse of Union Chapel. 

When he was in fifth grade, the family moved to Galena and he attended Galena Schools. He dropped out of high school when he was a senior, then went back and graduated from Galena High School in 1960. He greatly enjoyed playing football and baseball.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1961 and served at NORAD in Colorado Springs as a Communication Expert. He earned the title of sharpshooter and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, among other honors. He received his honorable discharge in 1967. Later, he joined the Army National Guard where he served for many years, and was honorably discharged in 1982.

David married Rosemary Lamb who had four young children, which he loved like his own. In 1968, the couple added a baby girl named Tammie June, and in 1970, they had another baby girl named Kandi Kae. The couple later divorced.

In 1994 David met and married Carolyn Townsend, and moved to Oswego, Kansas, where he still resided at the time of his death.

David had several professions during his life time. These include printer, transportation supervisor for Galena Schools, truck driver, and flower shop owner. He discovered that he had a talent for making beautiful floral arrangements. He became disabled in 1998, so his careers ended.

He was quite a handyman and could figure out how things worked and how to repair them when they didn’t.

He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Oswego where he served as deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He was a former member of The Gideons International, and loved sharing Bibles with others. He was also a member of the American Legion in Baxter Springs.

He loved to fish, and as a young man spent lots of time on the river with his brother and friends. His favorite story was about catching a 60-pound catfish on a trot line. He instilled the love of fishing in his children and grandchildren, who continue the tradition to this day.

He and his wife, Carolyn, enjoyed life with each other. They traveled across the United States, had season passes to Silver Dollar City, and enjoyed going to concerts and movies.

David nearly always had a smile on his face and a song on his lips. He especially enjoyed singing along with 50’s music, and could do a good imitation of many of the singers. He was a kind and gentle man and was loved and respected by many.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Tammie Benham (Charlie) Pittsburg, KS; his stepson, Randy McDaniel (Kim) The Villages, FL; stepdaughters Renee Stockton (Rick) Joplin, MO; Angela Schmoker (Sid) Catoosa, OK; and Susan Weaver, Catoosa, OK; and son-in-law Rocky Martin, Oswego, KS.

His 13 grandchildren include Jacob Schmoker (Zo) Tallahassee, FL; Lindsey Schulz (Nate) Neosho, MO; Erica Birney (Nick) Denver, CO; Zachary Schmoker (Megan), Tulsa, OK; Sara Peak (Ryan), Cherokee, KS; Caleb Martin (Rikki), Buffalo, KS; Brady Bueltel, Pittsburg, KS; Adam Schmoker (Bre) Owasso, OK; Jordan Schmoker (Alexis) Owasso, OK; Caleb Weaver (Missy) Catoosa, OK; Jamie Fleming (Chance) Catoosa, OK; Logan Benham (McKenna) Pittsburg, KS; and KaeLee Martin (Damon) Oswego, KS.

He was blessed to know 15 great-grandchildren. They are: Cash, Payton, Ellie, Preston, Emmett, Arlo, Rylee, Kellan, Endigo, Oliver, AuroraMei, Milo, Crew, Azziah, EmberRose. Number 16, Wilder, is on the way.

David is also survived by two sisters. They are Patricia Baker, Oswego, KS, and Janice Kirk (Lyn), Oswego, KS, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert Edwards, his daughter, Kandi Martin, two stepdaughters, Diana Atkins, and Rhonda McDaniel, and great-grandson Cash Martin.

Donations can be made to First Southern Baptist Church to be placed in a memorial fund for David.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at Derfelt Funeral Home in Oswego, KS. Pastor Tom Heflin will officiate. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.