Francis David Edwards

Francis David Edwards, age 96, of Newell, Iowa died Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society in Newell. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. Burial will be Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake with full Military Rites by the Newell American Legion. Visitation will take place Tuesday, December 6, 2016 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake where the family will be present the entire time. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Francis David Edwards was born east of Newell on the Maud Wart farm on November 27, 1920 the son of John Johnston Edwards and Margaret Graham (Donaldson) Edwards. He attended school at Sulphur Springs Consolidated School and went from 1st grade to 12th grade. While attending high school, he played basketball, pitched for the baseball team and ran track. In 1939, he graduated. Following high school graduation, Francis worked on the family farm and for neighbors while taking a class to become a postmaster. In 1942, Francis was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country and earned the rank of Sargent T4 until he was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, he worked on the farm and helped Paul Parks while also building for Hygrade. In addition, he worked for the Buena Vista Hospital. While working for the hospital, he met Myrna Skeels at Cobblestone. After a courtship, he married Myrna on June 12, 1949 at the First Baptist Church in Storm Lake. They made their home in an upstairs apartment before moving to their farm in Newell. Together, they were blessed with four children: Douglas, Randall, Laurie, and Melinda. Francis and Myrna were married for 63 years. Francis continued farming until 2007 when he had a few health issues. Francis was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. He has been a member of the American Legion Post 193 and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was on the Newell Providence School Board for six years from 1971 to 1977 and the Newell City Council for 20 years from 1978 to 1997. Francis enjoyed horseshoe pitching where he won numerous trophies including the Iowa State Farmers Division in 1972. In his spare time, he enjoyed being able to travel with his wife, Myrna. Family was very important to Francis and he cherished the times he was able to spend with them. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Doug (Debbie) Edwards of Southlake, Texas; Randy (Dyann) Edwards of Newell, Iowa; Laurie (Rodney) Rasmussen of Newell, Iowa; Melinda (Tony) Buchholz of Newell, Iowa; grandchildren: Heather (Andre) Bruce; Zach (Courtney) Edwards; Jason (Kristi) Edwards; Steve (Julie) Edwards; Bryce (Ashly) Edwards; Lynde Edwards; Taryn (Shawn) Colburn; Dak (Leigh) Rasmussen; Leigh (Brent) Meyer; Brett (Alicia) Buchholz; Chad Buchholz; great grandchildren: Alannah, Zoey and Amaryss Bruce; James, Hunter, Cameron and baby boy Edwards; Slade and Sloan Edwards; Brandon and Jordan Edwards; Caydance and Dylan Edwards; Landon Edwards; MadIiyn and Lillyan Colburn; Will, Nora and Maggie Rasmussen; Garrett, Caden and April Meyer; Josiah, Micah, and Anna Buchholz; brother, Kenneth (Beatta) Edwards of Storm Lake, Iowa; nieces, nephews; extended family and friends. Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Myrna; parents, John and Margaret Edwards; and one brother, Norman (Janina) Edwards.

Francis David Edwards

November 27, 1920 - December 1, 2016