Raymond “Joe” Edwards, 80
A graveside service for Raymond Joseph “Joe” Edwards, 80, formerly of Theodosia, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Memorial Park Cemetery at Meierfhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph. A viewing will be held prior to the service, beginning at 2 p.m. at Meierhoffer’s. The family requests that those attending wear casual, comfortable clothes, as they say that is what Joe would have wanted.
He died Aug. 8, in Gulf Shores, Alabama, after his big heart gave out.
He was born Nov. 20, 1943, in San Diego, California, to Ira Calvin Edwards and Meta Elizabeth (Welty) Edwards, both formerly of Theodosia. Ira was in the Navy, stationed in San Diego, at the time of his birth, making Joe a “Navy brat.” He was destined to move every few years, a trait he kept for the rest of his life.
Joe had many careers and many businesses, and lived in many places during his active life. While in high school he was one of the founders of the Crusaders Car Club and remained a member throughout adulthood.
He joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Central High School, and during his enlistment he married and had his first child. After his discharge from active duty, his new family moved to Napa, California, where his parents were now residing. A phone company career began shortly afterward, and he remained involved in the telecommunications and computer world for the rest of his working life.
During retirement, Joe “wheeled and dealed” in the classic car world and bought and renewed the golf course during his time living in Theodosia. He could do and fix just about anything, and he was generous to a fault.
He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Sharon Lee Brown of Gulf Shores, Alabama; his brother, Calvin Edwards and Sue of Kettle Falls, Washington (formerly of Longrun); his daughters: Catherine “Lyn” Worrell and Chris of Wichita, Kansas, and Jennifer Mary Clark and J.R.Ward of Windsor, California; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Joseph “Joey” Warren Edwards.
Arrangements under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph.