Michael O. W. Edens

Michael O’Donnell Walser Edens, long-time local attorney and community leader, died at the age of 86 on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Chapin, surrounded by his family. He lived valiantly and gracefully with Parkinson's Disease for more than a decade prior to his death.

Born in Spokane, Washington, on September 16, 1938, to the late Gordon Wright Edens and Eleane O’Donnell Edens, Mike's family returned to his Dad’s hometown of Bennettsville, SC, when Mike was young. He was educated in Marlborough County schools and upon graduation, joined the US Marine Corps. He excelled in the Marines, where he was a Drill Sergeant, an Expert Marksman and a member of the Military Police, but held tight to his dream of becoming a lawyer. After his three-year military commitment, he enrolled in the University of South Carolina, where he received a BS in Business, followed by a Juris Doctorate Degree from USC Law School. His first years with the South Carolina Bar were spent in state government, working for Gov. John West, and running several State Agencies, including the newly formed SC Alcohol Safety Action Program.

Mike left SC government to start a private law practice in Columbia, eventually expanding into a limited practice in Chapin, where he was the first attorney in that area. During those years he joined the Navy Reserves JAG Corps, and had risen to the rank of Captain by retirement from the military. He was an active member of the SC Bar, the SC Trail Lawyers Association and the SC Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and was a practicing attorney until the age of 75.

Throughout his career and beyond, he was very involved in local community service He was a member of the Chapin Ruritan Club and The Chapin Sertoma Club (now Chapin Community Service Club) in which he served in various offices, including President. He served several terms on the Chapin-Irmo Recreation Commission, and once ran for the House of Representatives. He was an involved member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, including singing in the choir and serving as Parliamentarian of church meetings.

Mike could sing, dance, cook, and clean; was a do-er, a fixer, and a lifelong learner. He will be remembered for his intellect, his quick and often wicked sense of humor, his athleticism and mostly his kindness and ability to love fully.

He was predeceased by his siblings: Jeff, Mary Gordon, Kay and Ellen. He is survived by his wife, Ina Sox Edens, their daughters Michelle and Jennifer, and their grandchildren, Claire, Elise, Michael and William.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, with military honors.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 215 St. Thomas Church Rd, Chapin, SC, 29036 OR The Parkinson's Foundation 5757 Waterford District Dr. Ste. 31, Miami, FL 33126 www.parkinsons.org