Frank E. Edwards

On July 3, 1938-Frank Elliott Edwards was born in Chicago, Illinois to Ozzie and Ellen Edwards (Both now deceased). He had 5 siblings, three preceded him in death, Ozzie Edwards Jr., Robert Edwards and Kenneth Smith. Frank remained close to his surviving siblings Judge Sandra Stephens-Champ (Thomas Champ)*, and Michael Edwards. Also preceding him in death was granddaughter Briahna Edwards who succumb to cancer at 3 years old.

It would be difficult to speak of Frank without speaking of his wife of fifty three years, Delores Edwards and her living siblings Jean Golsby-Johnson (Henry Johnson), and Alan Lewis (Judy Lewis). Together Frank & Delores raised four children: Frank Edwards (Lena Martinez), Olivia Ellen Edwards, La Shaun M Edwards-Luckey (Rev. Jackie Luckey) and Elliott Edwards. There are five living grandchildren: Maria S. Lake (De Andre Lewis), Monet S Lake (Brandon Richard), Maurice F. Lake Jr., Joshua M Drake-Edwards, and Nyah Edwards. Frank & Delores also have three great-grandchildren: Isaiah Lake, Sean & Demarcus Lewis.

Frank's life was marked by service, education and Christian stewardship. In service to his country, he spent four years active duty in the Airforce, followed by several years as a reservist in the Coast Guard, retiring in the later branch. He served his State as a California Highway Patrolman, and retired disabled after two life threatening incidents and 11 years of service. He served the church as Deacon, Vacation Bible & Sunday School teacher and choir member. He served his community with various donations and by participation in Walk-a-thons, school & community events. So it is not surprising that he leaves behind a host of other friends and relatives who love him.

Frank believed in Education and obtained a Bachelors degree in History at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master's degree in History at California State University, Los Angeles. Held teaching positions at Los Angeles Southwest College, Compton college, Webster College and San Jancinto Community college.

A friend said of Frank, that what was most impressive about him was that he made him want to be a better man. And Frank was an exemplary man. He was kind, gentle, generous, prayerful and loving. Frank would credit this fact to his walk with God and his wife. For he was humble as well as strong. He was a patient and attentive listener. He was a student of God's word and could often be found reading his bible. He rarely if ever raised his voice. He did his best to be a good Christian steward and he was favored by God. For Frank had the things that he prized the most- A wife who was loving, forgiving & wise; Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren who were spirited, loving and kind; wonderful family members & true friends. He was not a perfect man, he was not a perfect husband, for he made mistakes, but he was as close to perfection in a father as one can be and still be a man. He was supportive and he never hid from the hard conversations. He told us about love, sex, drugs, drinking etc. He put God first in his life and he never pointed and said me, me, me. but always credited God. So what was most important in the life of Frank Elliott Edwards is that he was an example of God's love here on earth; For if a man could be this loving, this kind, this gentle, and understanding; A wonderful friend, husband & dad then how much greater our father & his creator that is in heaven.

On Monday July 23, 2012, God ended the ERA that was the life of Frank Elliott Edwards' and offered him the place that our savior had prepared for him. Some of us are angry at the way that we lost him, some of us are glad that he has no more pain and each of us will go home and deal with our sorrow in our own way but all of us are grateful for the 74 years that Frank Elliott Edwards lived and we as a family thank God for his exemplary Christian life.