Michael Dean Edson

Mike was born in Independence, Missouri on August 11, 1967. His childhood in Independence instilled a lifelong passion for the outdoors, and together with his father and brother, he was a proud Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, and a Shaman in Mic-O-Say. Growing up, he enjoyed summers at H. Roe Bartle Scout Camp. At a young age, he discovered a passion for music, and he played the trumpet for many years. He was also an avid sports fan, playing basketball and golf at William Chrisman High before graduating in 1985. He then attended the University of Missouri, where he completed a Bachelors of Science in Education, and was a proud Tiger the rest of his life. He went on to pursue his Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. He was a Middle School Social Studies teacher and Basketball Coach for the Independence School District, at Bridger Middle School, Independence Academy, and John Nowlin Middle School. He was passionate about teaching, earning his National Board Certification, and was Independence School District teacher of the year in 2003. He taught for 29 years before retiring in 2017.

After college, he moved to Blue Springs, Missouri, where he met his wife, Yvonne, in 1998. They married on October 5, 2001, and together with their kids, enjoyed road trip vacations, frequently camping, fishing, and canoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park. In his later years, he carried on his love of concerts and Kansas City sports, as well as going to the movie theatre with his family. He will be remembered as a father for his sense of humor, passing on his talent for silly voices and sound effects to his children, for driving down back-roads listening to rock music, and for always having a historical story to tell.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne McGinnis-Edson, children Michaela Edson and Kyle Edson, brother Jim Edson, and several step-children, nieces, nephews, and a recent grandnephew. He was preceded in death by his father, James Lionel Edson Jr., mother Alma Edson, aunt Anna Lee Hoffman, and uncle Connie Hoffman.

The funeral will be held at Newcomers Noland Road Chapel on Thursday, June 12, at 11:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Buckner Hill Cemetery. All friends and family are welcome.