Donald Bruce Edwards, 87, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, Ohio.

He was born April 21, 1934, in Daytona Beach, Florida to the late Emory Sampson and Katie Louise (Singleton) Edwards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard Allen Edwards; brothers, Warren, Russel, Robert, and Jack Edwards, and sisters Evelyn (Edwards) Kressman and Sue (Edwards) Marr.

Don lived the kind of life that left him with some incredible stories, and those will live on with family and friends. Reared in Daytona Beach, he found an early passion for the newspaper business by helping his brother sell newspapers. As he grew, he moved on to his own paper route then, while still in high school, to the position of copy boy at the Daytona Beach News-Journal. His dedication to the field of journalism and his love of photography followed him throughout his life.

He enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1952, and put those skills to use in the remaining years of the Korean War. As a member of the Signal Corps, he was stationed in Massachusetts, Germany, and eventually Colorado, ending his time as the staff photographer for the Commanding General of the Army Air Defense Command.

Don believed news was a public service, but those entrusted with reporting had a duty to fairness and accuracy. He also had a strong belief in service to his community. Shortly after leaving the Army, he settled in southern Ohio, where he worked for newspapers in Greenfield, Hillsboro, and Washington Court House. In his time working for the Record-Herald, he assisted in the foundation of the Chrisman Award for student athletes, helped establish Eyman Park, and worked with the late Don Riber to help establish the Kiwanis Teen Talent show.

In his later years, he worked for Wilmington College in their student affairs department. As a dispatcher and clerk, he spent many evenings at the desk in the student center, where he provided judgment-free grandfatherly advice to any student in need and ended most conversations with one of his favorite phrases – “Glad you got to see me.” He touched the lives of many students while at WC, but he didn’t leave his journalism and photography skills behind. An avid Lady Quakers Basketball fan, he created an independent website for the team, following them through years of home and away games, tournaments, and a national championship. Along the way he made deep and lasting friendships, aggravated a few referees, and always loved the game.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #49 Wilmington and formerly Post #25 in Washington Court House, the VFW and the 40&8. He was a member of Bloomingburg Lodge #449 and Blanchester Lodge #191 F&AM, and Blanchester Chapter #153 of Royal Arch Masons. He was a past member of the Washington Court House Rotary, Washington Court House Kiwanis Club, and a Past District Chairman for Paint Valley District, Boy Scouts of America.

He is survived by his wife of 51-years, Kenna Jane (Summers) Edwards, of Wilmington, his son, Brook (Luann) Edwards and three grandchildren, Joseph, Thomas, and Christopher Edwards, all of Tiffin, Ohio. Also left to cherish his memory is his sister, Gloria (Edwards) Wilson of Mt. Juliet, TN, close friends, Nick Wiget, Jerry Scheve and Mark Denniston, as well as many other friends and family.

The family would like to thank Soin Medical Center for their care and support, which was invaluable.

A graveside service will be held Monday, January 31, 2022, at 1 p.m. in the Bloomingburg Cemetery with the Rev. Matt Brooks, pastor at the Grace United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.  A memorial service, at the convenience of the family, will follow in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Betty Schaeffer Scholarship Fund, c/o Wilmington College, 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, OH 45177 or to your respective American Legion or VFW post in honor of all of those who have served.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

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One Comment

  • Mary Rose Zink says:

    Kenna and Brooke,
    Don has a huge place in my heart. I know he’s smiling down on you and yours. I wish I could be with you Monday. But no my heart, prayers and thoughts will be. You are cherished. Thank you for all the people and students Don touched. He was a gem!!!