Gerald Edwards

He was the retired owner of Edwards Construction Company, a third generation company, founded by Gerald’s father, in 1905. Gerald became the owner in 1947 and retired in 1988, when his oldest son became the owner. Gerald was very active in the construction industry, having served as president of the Greater Fort Smith Homebuilders Association. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church where he had served as deacon, as well as taught Sunday School and served on the building committee. He was also a member of the Lunkers and Liars Fishing Club

Gerald was a veteran of WWII, having served in the Navy in the South Pacific on the USS APA 168 Gage. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his three sisters: Alma Graham, Nell Emery, and Edmona Austin, and son-in-law, Rodney Cook.

Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Friday, March 27, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Ft. Smith, AR with burial and military honors to follow at the Ft. Smith National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lahoma of the home, one daughter Cynthia Karen Graham and her husband Allen of Atlanta, GA; four sons; David Gerald Edwards and his wife Ann of Ft. Smith, Drs. Gary Stephen Edwards and his wife Cheryl also of Ft. Smith, John Allen Edwards and his wife Teri of Houston, TX and Jim Carroll Edwards and his wife Gayla of Ft. Smith, as well as his 13 Grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Brent Cook, Greg Cook, Grant Edwards, Frazier Edwards, Carter Edwards, and Benson Cheek.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Ft. Smith 1400 Grand Avenue Ft. Smith, AR 72901 or to the Ft. Smith Association of Homebuilder’s Mason-Barr Scholarship Fund 5111 Rogers Avenue #531 Ft. Smith, AR 72903 or to the Martha Abee Hughes Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Arkansas Ft. Smith (UAFS Foundation) PO Box 3649 Ft. Smith, AR 72913.