DONALD EDWARDS

Donald Leroy Edwards, age 89, Eagle River, Alaska, passed away on May 31. Services for Donald were held Saturday, June 7 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Eagle River, AK. Interment at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, Anchorage, AK.
Donald was born on October 24, 1935 in Lyons, to parents Charles Edwards and Myrtle (Carlberg) Edwards. He grew up in Colton and
graduated from Colton High School in 1953. Don eventually lived in Lake Andes. His father owned a sporting goods store there, where Don loved to work. He met Gloria Marie Curtin on a double-blind date, set up by his best friend, Paul Kern, at the Rest Haven Dance Pavilion near Lake Andes. They were married on Dec. 08, 1956, in Cheyenne, WY. A son, Joseph Leroy was born in Wagner. Next they lived in El Paso, TX where they welcomed a son, Charles Henry. They soon moved to Igloo where they welcomed a daughter, Diane Marie. While living there, they also had twins, a daughter and a son, Denise Catherine, and Daniel James, born in Hot Springs. When the Igloo Army Depot was closing, Don and Gloria moved their family to Eagle River, Alaska.
Don and Gloria lived happily in Eagle River and raised their family there on Easy Street. He retired from the Civil Service in 1996 after 38 years with the Department of Army. Upon retirement, Donald worked, once again, in sporting goods at Walmart in Eagle River. He was involved in activities at St. Andrew Catholic Church, including the catechism program, the choir and many others. He was involved in Toastmasters, square dancing, and other organizations. Donald was a true Alaskan. He loved Alaska! He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a lifelong sportsman and supported related causes. Donald loved spending time at his beautiful cabin in Trapper Creek, AK, built by his son, Joseph.
Donald is survived by his children Joseph Edwards (Nora), Trapper Creek, AK, Charles Edwards, Eagle River, AK, Diane (Daniel) Dvorak, Yankton, and Daniel Edwards, Eagle River, AK; brother-in-law, Michael Curtin, sisters-in-law, Mary Huneke (Macon, GA), and Loretta Curtin; grand-children Shara De La Cruz, Kimberley (Tony) Pate, Shani (Isaac) Worley, Sarah (John) LaScola, Chris (Nicole) Dvorak, Shana (Daniel) Deibler, Jordan (Ema Kate) Edwards, Shari (Charles) Clare, Brendan (SiaKayle) Dvorak, Charles Edwards, Sarah (Devin) Welsh, Timothy (Charlotte) Edwards, Angela (Cody) Golder, Myriah Edwards, Amanda (Sam) Edwards, Evan (Aleah) Dvorak; and many great grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, daughter, Denise Edwards, his parents, Charles and Myrtle Edwards; his siblings Lendall, Charles, and James Edwards; his father and mother-in-law James and Opal Curtin; brothersin- law, Dennis and Roger Curtin, and John Huneke; sisters-in-law Doris, Gloria and Evelyn Edwards, Virginia, Wilma and Betty Curtin and a great-granddaughter Alexis De La Cruz.