Donnie lost his eyesight at the age of nineteen, but that didn’t slow him down. Throughout his life, he worked as a farmer, he ran a mop and broom assembly, worked with pecan processing, bought and sold farm and ranch real estate, sold insurance and bought and sold FHA moveable homes. He never allowed his blindness to be a handicap and found ways to overcome it to get the job done.
He met Shirley Ann Graves in Midland in early 1966 and, excited to begin their lives together, they were married on December 2, 1966. The couple grew their blended family, which included four children and grew from there.
Donnie was a member of the Lions Club for over 50 years. He was awarded a trip to Norway from the Lions Club of Norway and it was on that trip that he first snow skied. He was fearless and always willing to try something new.
He was a practical and frugal man. Donnie enjoyed the simple things in life and wasn’t afraid to work to get it. He loved being a grandfather and spending time with family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Ann Edwards; sons, Jerry Edwards and wife Susie, Phillip Bales and wife Judy, and Lee Edwards and wife Caryne; daughter, Carla Diaz and husband Lorenzo; 14 grandchildren, Ashlea, Jesse, Veronica, Olivia, Maricel, Whitney, Dan, Chad, Aja, Adrianna, Stephanie, Lance, Shai and Kellee; and 20 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and John Edwards; brothers, George “Jake” Hilton Edwards, Hubert “Rat” Edwards, John “Took” Edwards and Eugene “Genie” Edwards.
A public viewing will be held Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 21st at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Ellis Funeral Home, 4616 N. Big Spring St., followed by interment at Resthaven Memorial Park. D.J. Pitt, Mike Schwertner, D.J. Rambo, Lance Wood, Matt Braithwaite and John Guzman will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Bishop, Corbon Allred and Nick Jimenez.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Midland, 911 W Texas Ave, Midland, 79701. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Kipi with Hospice of Midland for her loving care she provided.
