Charles “Chuck” Franklin Edwards was born September 2, 1937 at home in Hardin, MO, to Viola M. (Minnick) Edwards and Charles “Charley” Thomas Edwards and passed from this life on June 5, 2023. Chuck lived in Hardin on the family farm until he was 5 years old, when the family moved to Blue Springs. Chuck attended Moreland School, then graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1955. During his high school years, Chuck played football and baseball. Chuck met his future wife, Mirl Ann Graham on a blind date set up by each of their respective best friends—who were already a couple. Chuck joined the Air Force and went to basic training and tech school immediately after high school graduation. Chuck and Mirl married on May 26, 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, MO, just prior to his deployment to Guam. The young couple then reunited in San Antonio, Texas, as Chuck was finishing his Air Force career. In San Antonio their first daughter, Debra Lynn, was born in November 1958. Chuck and Mirl moved back to Independence in 1959 briefly while their home in Oak Grove was built by Harold Hoy. Two months after their second daughter, Cindy Sue, was born in November of 1960, the family moved into their new home. Chuck and Mirl added another daughter, Lori Lee, in 1963, and twin daughters, Dana Kay and Dena Fay in 1966. Chuck resided in that home for over 60 years, until just days prior to his death.
While pregnant with the twins, Mirl discovered her diagnosis of cancer, which led to a lifelong battle until her death in 2008. Chuck never left Mirl’s side and supported her through bouts of illness, surgeries, administering medications and helping raise the girls. Chuck worked for Leeds plant of General Motors, and later—in retirement—at Bent Oak Golf Club as groundskeeper and marshall.
Chuck and Mirl joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1962 and Chuck was ordained a Deacon in 1989, an office in which he ministered until his death.
Chuck loved all sports, especially football. Not having any sons of his own, Chuck was a Little League Football Coach for Oak Grove for many years. He also played fast pitch softball for the Oak Grove RLDS church in a Blue Springs league, as a pitcher. His catcher, Wayne Davies, always encouraged him with the words…” Rock and fire, Chuckie, rock and fire”. It was a favorite saying around the Edwards home for years.
Chuck never met a stranger and always tried to support his family the best he knew how. Chuck worked hard and loved Mirl with everything he had. He supported his daughters, even though he liked to grumble about them and the time they took in the one and only bathroom in the house.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mirl, his daughter, Dena Fay Barnekoff, and his son in law, Jim Mulheron. He leaves his daughters Debbie, Oak Grove, Cindy (John), Independence, Lori (Brian), Garland, TX, Dana (Andy), Belton, and son-in-law Michael Barnekoff, Kansas City. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren: Mindy (Ryan), Matthew (Megan), Jared (Katie), Joey (Kim), Tim, Tara, Ali, Harmony, Taylor (Zak), Travis (Bekah), Austin, Jake (Angela), and Brittany. He is also survived by great grandchildren Elle, Brice, Lennon, Gavin, Myles, Emily, Chloe, Jameson, Daniel, Finley, Mina, Theo, and Katelyn.
Chuck will be buried next to his wife in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Oak Grove Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ Church, 1204 N Broadway, Oak Grove, MO, Saturday, June 17th, 10 am; funeral service and graveside service following at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the church, Oak Grove Restoration Branch for the Fun and Fellowship Fund or Beacon of Hope Hospice.
Obituary submitted by family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441