Carl William Edwards

Carl William Edwards, age 72, of Round Rock, died on February 20, 2023 of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. A native Austinite born at St. David’s Hospital on April 28, 1950, Carl was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His warm smiles and belly laughs will always be remembered.

Carl graduated from Lanier High School in 1969. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1974 from Texas State University, when it was Southwest Texas State University. After graduation, Carl worked in retail management at Montgomery Ward for 25 years, until the company closed the Austin stores. He then worked for Sears and Big Lots, and after a couple of retirement years, he finished his work life as manager of Austin Recycling Center.

Carl was active in Boy Scouts for years, earning his Eagle Scout rank in 1966 with Troop 407 in Austin, and as an adult leader with Cub Scout Pack 155 and Boy Scout Troop 157 in Round Rock. Completing a Philmont trek in 2003 was a lifetime highlight, as was guiding Cody to Eagle Scout. Carl earned Wood Badge and was a District Commissioner.

Carl was a gifted handyman and mechanic who could fix just about anything. Photography was a life-long hobby. He loved gardening and he thwarted the squirrels by building hoop houses to protect his tomatoes. Carl’s other love was grilling, especially chicken thighs. He and the kids had fun with their Triple C Cue Club. Carl entertained as Carlo the Clown, with his invisible dog, Doggone, at Cuero Turkeyfest parades for over 30 years.

Carl married Carol Binz on May 27, 1979 in Cuero, Texas. Their marriage was blessed with two children. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol; his daughter, Courtney Edwards of Austin; and his son and daughter-in-law, Cody and Allison Edwards and his granddaughter, Audrey Edwards, of Austin. He is also survived by his sister, Nana (Penny) Edwards of Austin, his sister-in-law Pauline Edwards of Katy, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dwight and Grace Binz of Cuero, along with nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Britton and Marie Edwards, and his brother Britton Edwards III.

A Celebration of Carl’s Life will be held Sunday, March 5 at 2:00 p.m., at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home at 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas. Light refreshments will be served at the funeral home immediately following the service. The family would be honored for guests to stay afterward to visit and look at Carl’s memorabilia, since there will not be a separate visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (bsacac.org) ; to Hospice Austin (hospiceaustin.org) which provided care through Carl’s illness ; or to the CJD Foundation (cjdfoundation.org) which provided support groups and invaluable CJD information.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Edwards family.