Joseph Gordon Edwards

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Joseph (Joe) Gordon Edwards passed away July 15, 2017 in Raytown, Missouri after a prolonged illness. He had recently celebrated his 99th birthday. Joe was born to Josephus and Stella Edwards in the Irish Wilderness of South Missouri. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
He was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his three daughters, Winona Greta Edwards, his parents and a sister Mildred Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Natividad, daughters Trela Jane White, JD of Palm Beach, Florida; Priscilla Jo Edwards, PhD of San Francisco, California and Jean Edwards Holt, MD, MHA of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters, Imogene Strain of St. Louis, Missouri and Irene Hollis of Florida, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Joe grew up and was educated in rural South Missouri, then matriculated at Southeast Missouri State University, where he lettered in track. After graduation from college, Joe served his country on active duty as a Naval Officer in the Second World War in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He spent most of his career as a teacher and principal, including schools in South Missouri, North Kansas City and Raytown. He was a 70+ year member of the Freemasons and was a colleague of Harry Truman in that organization. He also was active in the Kiwanis, American Legion and Optimist Clubs.
Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman, was considered one of the top bird hunters in Missouri and his exploits as a hunter were featured in the Kansas City Star. He was a staunch proponent of youth achievement and girls athletics around the state. Joe was honored by the YMCA with a Senior Citizens Award for his active and healthy lifestyle and received the Presidential Fitness Citation. He was especially proud of the accomplishments of his three daughters, all of whom earned doctoral degrees in their professions. Per Joe’s request, there will be no memorial services or visitation.

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Condolences

  1. Imelda McDowell on July 17, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to you Aunt Natty and your family. God bless you .



  2. Mr.and Mrs. Dale Harris & Family on July 17, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    Dear Edwards Family ,
    Thought and prayers to all of you guys , specially to Joe we offer our special prayers for him . Our deepest sympathy to all of you Edwards Family , Natty call if you need us , we’re here for yoy . May Joe rest in peace.
    From : Amy, Dale
    Brad and Chris
    HARRIS FAMILY.



  3. Robyn L Highfill on July 17, 2017 at 11:47 pm

    Rest In Peace Mr. Edwards. My elementary school principal, my mentor, but best of all, my friend. You touched so many lives of people. So many laughs we shared at HyVee and Wal-Mart. Thank you for all that you did in your life. You will be missed by many. But the memories of you and Natty will live forever in my heart. Jesus has claimed one of His favored children to rejoice him and his presence evermore.



  4. Myrna Relampago on July 18, 2017 at 12:29 am

    MYRNA V. RELAMPAGO
    July 17, 2017 at 12:19 am

    First of all, I would like for the family of Joe most specially his wife, Naty that I am going to miss him a lot. He is a person that has a very good sense of humor and by talking to him for awhile you can learn a lot from him. They have been like a family to me and Joe’s jokes and laughter will remain as a very good memory of him to me. Rest In Peace to you Joe!



  5. Leonida Ladines on July 18, 2017 at 5:49 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Joe will forever be missed.



  6. Herbert Duncan on July 18, 2017 at 7:30 am

    Joe you will be missed. Dora and I cherished your friendship, guidance and sense of humor. Natty thank you for taking care of my friend, I know he loved you and lived a better life because of you. Rest in peace my friend.



  7. Faye Gripe on July 18, 2017 at 8:24 am

    My deepest sympathy to you my dearest friend and to Joe’s family, He will be missed by everybody. ….Joe you will meet your friend John in heaven now …Rest in peace….



  8. Nomie Cole on July 18, 2017 at 10:59 am

    My deepest sympathy to you friend and to the whole family May he Rest In Peace.



  9. Loreta Mithelavage on July 18, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Joe you will be missed, I cherished our friendship… My condolences and prayers to Natty and children..



  10. Bill ,Sandy and Coy Dugger on July 18, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    Rest in Peace Mr.Joe Edwards we are blessed to know you.You are a good person and a good friend …With our deepest sympathy ,thoughts and prayers are with you Natty and to Joe’s children..



  11. REGGIE A. OBERT, Lockwood MO. on July 19, 2017 at 12:08 am

    REGGIE A. OBERT
    July 19, 2017 11:00 pm
    Peace and comfort to you and your family, Nat. I’ll see you soon.



  12. Carmelita Montoya on July 19, 2017 at 9:50 am

    REST IN PEACE JOE. NATTY, GOD BLESS.



  13. Brian and Josie Doyle Kansas City, MO on July 21, 2017 at 10:58 am

    July 21, 2017 10:55pm
    We wish you strength to meet the challenges of each day, peace and rest throughout each night, and the comfort of knowing that our thoughts are with you and your family now. Joe, you will be missed.



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