Donald LeRoy Edwards, 75, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away on Saturday October 24, 2020 in Coos Bay, Oregon. Roy was born on November 23, 1944, to Merris and Marian Edwards in Spearfish, South Dakota. He grew up in Spearfish other than a few years spent in Oregon. He attended Spearfish High School and met his forever love, Marjorie Mae Hall. They married January 15, 1965 and moved to Rockford, IL in 1966 where they raised their family and developed many meaningful lifelong relationships. Roy worked at the Chrysler Belvidere Assembly plant for 35 years before retiring in 2001. The Rockford area became their home for 50 plus years and they were faithful members of Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park. Roy also served and shared much love with Judah Worship Center in Mackinaw, IL and Inspiring Ministries in Jackson, TN. The last 10 years included Roy continuing to be the faithful partner of Marge as her full-time care giver while she was experiencing Alzheimer’s disease. They continued to travel, and Roy attended to his wife with amazing love and grace. Roy was a believer in family, friends and hard work and would lend a hand to anyone in need. He gave his best and loved to camp, fish, make wood projects, travel with his wife, often with grandkids in tow. They had travelled to every state in this country. He loved the outdoors, camping, playing games, reading, fishing, hiking, watching his beloved Chicago Bears, laughing and spending time with friends and family. Roy was a friend to all he would meet, always investing in people and showing love. A wonderful example of a husband, friend, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord. His encompassing love, kindness, belief in others and sacrifice will leave a legacy for generations to come.
Roy leaves behind two of his children, Randy (Melanie) Edwards, Rebecca (Eric) Newble; daughter-in-law, Trish Edwards; his eight grandchildren, Scott (Trisha) Edwards, Cyndi (Brad) Edwards-Erxleben, Eric Newble Jr., Kara Edwards, Jacquelynn Edwards, Hannah Newble, Cory Edwards, Aaliyah Newble; his five great grandchildren, Kayleigh, Bryan, Payton, Jackson, Princeton; his two sisters Donna (Gary) Harvey, Darlene (Gary) Goff; and a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents Merris and Marian Edwards, his beloved wife of 55 years, Marge Edwards and his eldest son Rich Edwards.
MEMORIAL SERVICE will be on Saturday, November 7th from 11am-1pm with opportunities to share memories and greet the family with FUNERAL SERVICE following at 1pm, both occurring at Judah International Ministries, 31506 E. Fast Avenue, Mackinaw, IL. Funeral service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/judahinternationalministries. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make donations in honor of Roy to Inspiring Ministries International, Judah International Ministries or Grace Lutheran Church.
