1940 – 2012
Thomas passed away at home with his loving family and friends at his bedside. Thomas was born at home in Gunnison, Colorado to Charles and Myrtle Edwards. He spent his childhood in Gunnison and Grand Junction. He attended school in Gunnison and Grand Junction. He enlisted in the Marine Corps with his brother Jim in 1958 and spent his service enlistment at Twenty-nine Palms, California in the artillery division. He was proud to have served his country and to be a Marine. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”
Tom is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Julie Thomas and his beloved dog, Duke.
Tom was married to Eileen in 1966 and they had a son, Bill.
Tom married the love of his life, Lisa Thomas in 1986 and they had two daughters, Caitlin Marie and Julie Ann.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Lisa, of 26 years; his children, Bill of Colorado, Caitlin (Orion) Newman and Julie Edwards of Franktown; his three sisters, Mable (David) Westelund of Fruita, CO, Marjorie Edwards of Grand Junction and Mary Lou Barefoot of South Carolina; his brother, James (Ann) Edwards of Delta, Colorado.
Tom is also survived by Jeri Stookesberry, Kathy Wursta, Mike Heyberger, Dan (Dyanna) Thomas, Steve(Shawna) Thomas, Robert Thomas, Ruthie Thomas, as well as numerous special nieces, nephews and adopted daughters and sons: Sandi Mae, Carole (Pat), Charlie (Terri), David (Barb), Mike (Jennifer), Michelle (Rick), Josh, Cody, Brooke, Austen, Chelsea, Sean, Mike, Jessica, Michaela, Caden, Aaron (Kim), Isiah, Serenity, Jenny, Johnny, Danny (Robin), Dustin, T.J, Ashalley, Chuck, Sean (Belinda), Eric (Stephany), Chrissy (Morgan), Stacy, Mike Jr (Cindy), Lindsey, Kelsey, Jimmy (Debbie), Dennis, Juliana, Joey, Dallas, Chance, Bret, Brice, Amber and Mikaila.
Tom had many friends that include, JD Warren, Calvin Weatherly, Derek Potton, Linda Hupert, John Severson, Lee Willis, Tim Walker and Dave Haas.
Tom will be remembered as a son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle and a friend. He was known as Thomas, Tom, Tommy, Uncle Tom, and Uncle Thomas to his family and friends. Tom has also referred to himself as, “George Zigmadapoochie” and, “Thomas Franklin Jefferson Johnson JR Edwards.”
Tom lived in the Franktown Community for forty-six years. He has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Franktown Historical Society, has been a sponsor of 4H awards for the Douglas County Fairgrounds and was a member and past chief of the Franktown Fire Department. He was co-owner of the Franktown Sand and Gravel Co. with Gene Walker. He started his own business of Tom Edwards Trucking and has delivered sand and gravel to many businesses and homes in the area.
Tom had many interests which include, boating, fishing, camping and his annual hunting trip to Gunnison with his hunting buddies. He was John Wayne’s ultimate fan. He owned all of “The Dukes” movies and could recite the dialogue from many western movies. He was a fan of Louis L’Amour and owned many of his books.
Tom was a family man and loved being with his family and friends. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Edwards, JD Warren, Calvin Weatherly, John Severson, Derek Potton, Lee Willis, Dan Thomas, Mike Heyberger, Tim Walker, Orion Newman, David Edwards, Mike Edwards, Charles Monzel, Rick Kahle, Eric Wursta, Sean Wursta, and Chuck Wursta.
The family would like to thank the Hospice staff with Legacy Hospice- Lenny, Carolyn, Mary Ann and Alicia for their compassionate care.
Tom’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 1:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in Castle Rock. Inurnment will take place at the Franktown Cemetery. Reception to follow at Franktown Fire Department.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Franktown Fire Protection District or charity of your choice.
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