Mark Edwards

05/18/1952 - 01/13/2026

Mark Snyder Edwards passed peacefully at home on Tuesday January 13th surrounded by loved ones. After a months-long battle, he entrusted his end-of life care to Hospice and the grace of God. His dedication to family and tireless service to the Louisville Music Community will continue to ripple many years into the future. He was a graduate of Seneca High School, attended EKU, was an avid outdoorsman, a master certified scuba diver, and a beloved Luthier to guitar and violin-family string musicians.

In 1973, Mark asked Christine Gonzenbach to share life’s adventures. Over 52 years, many joyful moments with their daughters Amy and Kathryn were spent boating, fishing, on camping holidays and family vacations to parks and lakes; and nurturing an appreciation of natural and musical beauty. Mark began his career as an instrument repair craftsman with The Music Center in downtown Louisville, later working for Mel Owen Music, and ultimately opening Mark Edwards Violins. His skill earned him accolades as the factory-authorized repair Luthier for companies like Martin, Fender, Taylor, Gibson, and others. He trained the late Dan Becker who continued a Guitar Business until his passing in 2016. Throughout his professional life, Mark excelled in restoring Violins, Violas, Cellos, Basses, as well as the accessories, bows, and rentals needed by the full spectrum of string players. He was equally proud to serve the Louisville Orchestra endowed chair, the University professor, a fiddler or the beginning string student.

Many thousands of musicians across the country followed recommendations for the passion and precision Mark Edwards brought to his work. When they needed expertise and repair, he offered advice and earned trust. He offered support to numerous orchestra programs throughout JCPS, in churches, in Suzuki and private studios. Members of Louisville Youth Orchestra, Collegiate School of Louisville, Virginia Chance School, Montessori School of Louisville, The Oldham County Schools Arts Center, The University of Louisville Community Music Program and many more found their own musical journeys amplified by his skill. In the shop, he led by example and instilled pride of work with his coworkers including Christopher Powell, Noah and Nathan Sorota, Frederick Speck, Jr., Howie Baker, Matthew Lane, and others. In 2015, Mark Edwards Violins closed its doors, but Mark continued his craft at Lane and Edwards Violins until early January.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Meta Edwards, brother Glenn Edwards, and son-in-law Stephan Wilson. To cherish his legacy, he leaves behind his wife Christine Edwards; Daughters Amy Edwards (Michael Hall) and Katie Edwards (Clint Boyer); Grandchildren Hailey Wilson, Gavyn Deane, and Luke Reid; Nieces Jenni Edwards (Grant Cooksey) and Ellie Edwards (Derrick Poole); Matthew Lane, co-worker of 21 years; and the many friends welcomed into the Edwards’ business and home. Mark will be deeply missed.

A service of celebration will be announced at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Arch L Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, 40218.

His life was a blessing and so now is his memory.