Col. Charles A. Edwards, U.S. Army, Ret.

Charles was born in Temple, Texas on April 15, 1935 to Lewis A. and Esther Moore Edwards. He grew up farming and ranching with his dad, graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Texas in 1951, and soon enrolled at Texas A&M College in College Station, Texas. Charles graduated from A&M in May 1955 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education. Having pursued ROTC in college, Charles was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Regular Army and was immediately ordered to active duty upon graduation. After his basic artillery school at Ft. Bliss, Texas, Charles volunteered for flight school. Upon completion, Charles pursued an Army career commanding aviation and artillery units in many locations including combat and peacetime assignments. His last active duty tour was at the Pentagon before retiring in December 1981. Charles was a survivor - among his individual awards were the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals, and twenty-seven Air Medals. His service awards included the National Defense, Republic of Vietnam Service Campaign with seven battle Stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal. In his younger life, he was awarded the American Farmer Degree as a tribute to his performance in farming and ranching operations by his membership in the Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA). Charles was also designated a Master Army Aviator and ultimately awarded the FAA’s Master Pilot Award for 60 years and 7,000 hours of accident-free flying without a violation.

In his retirement years after the Army, Charles served as a commercial property manager in the Washington D.C. area for nine years before he and his late wife LaNell decided in 1990 to retire to their home state of Texas to take care of their elderly mothers. They selected Lakeway and built their home on Lakeway Drive in Lakeway. Charles and LaNell were active volunteers for many years for the City of Lakeway with LaNell being a two-term Council Member and Charles later becoming a two-term Mayor. Charles devoted nearly three decades of volunteer service to Lakeway. Charles and LaNell enjoyed a wonderful social life with many friends in Lakeway and the local area.

Charles was recently honored by the City of Lakeway proclaiming December 15th as Mayor Charles A. Edwards Day.

Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia LaNell (Grisham) Edwards of Lakeway, Texas; his parents, Lewis and Esther Edwards of Troy, Texas; and his son, Victor D. Edwards of Lakeway. He is survived by his loving girlfriend, Jan Collier, and many wonderful cousins and friends.

There will be a celebration of life at the Lakeway Church Chapel on January 30th at 3:00 p.m., with a reception following. A private graveside service will be held at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lakeway Church at 2203 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway, Texas 78734.