David Elmer Edwards

David E Edwards, 79, of St Joseph passed away on Thursday 9 January, 2014, after a valiant battle with cancer at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He was born on 8 March 1934 to Elmer and Ruth(Carr) Edwards in Gulfport, Mississippi. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point New York and following graduation began his career as an engineer at Pratt and Whitney in Hartford Connecticut. He then accepted a commission in the US Navy and proudly served as an officer on several ships in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet. Following his honorable discharge he became the president of KJ Kenny Electric on Long Island and served in that capacity until 1984. He then relocated to Virginia Beach Virginia before settling in St Joseph in 2005. Dave’s gentle and welcoming manner was complemented with his passion for politics, sports, and service. He maintained a deep love of his native Gulfport and there maintained many deep and lasting friendships. He was the epitome of a wonderful father, and a devoted and loving grandfather. Those who knew him felt fortunate to know a true gentleman He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by his wife and best friend of 49 years, Nora(Kenny) Edwards, his brother Richard Edwards, and sister Ann Bates. He is survived by his son Dr. Kenneth (Wendy) Edwards of St Joseph, and his grandson David, and granddaughters Jordan and Kate; a sister Dorothy Parker A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at will 12:00 P.M, Saturday 25 January at St Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor. Officiated by Rev. William Jacobs Jr.. Friends may visit from 11:30 to 12:00 at the church. Friends wishing to leave a online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. He has been cremated and will be buried in Gulfport at a later date. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to the US Merchant Marine Alumni Association & Foundation( www.usmmaaf.com/?)