Joseph Edwards

Joseph (Doby) Francis Edwards, age 87, died in his home in Benson, AZ on August 30, 2022.

Born June 7, 1935 in Indianapolis, IN to Gladys Burgin and Joseph Edwards.

His grammar school days were spent at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Irvington on the eastside of Indianapolis. 

High School at Warren Central in eastern Marion County was followed by a stint with the U.S.Naval Reserve at the end of the Korean War.

Entered Ball State Teachers College at Muncie, IN in the fall of 1954, where he met and married Roberta Louise Morin in 1956, and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor in Science and Education.

He did his Masters work at Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN.

Taught science at Buena Vista and Bowie High Schools until his retirement on The Whizbang Ranch in Benson, AZ, where he and his wife kept a flock of commercial sheep for his grandchildren's 4-H projects. 

Became a Freemason in 1995, receiving the title of Worshipful Master in 1999 and Illustrious Grand Master in 2007.

Joe is survived by his sister Anna and niece Julie, five children; Victoria Anne Edwards-Barger, Elizabeth Jo Edwards, J. Matthew Edwards, Antoinette Lee Wielkie and Margaret Ellen Edwards Graver. Twelve grandchildren; Jessica Acosta, Kyle Edwards, Chelsea Cherry, Drew Pace, Bryce Edwards, Molly Graver, Cole Wielkie, Alex Edwards, Samantha Graver, Wyatt Wielkie, Jacqueline Joy and Belle Crawford. Seventeen great grandchildren; Adam, Dylan, Diego and Liam Saenz. Kaden and Kylie Edwards. Mckenzie, Charlotte and Lilly Cherry. Brock Pace. Benjamin and Brett Lyle, Blake Royce. Oliver and Cooper Edwards. Carter Joy and Jupiter Wielkie. Two great great grandchildren; Elijah Malachi and Izaiah Israel Saenz.

Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Roberta Louise Morin Edwards (Bobby Lou), his sister Jayne Edwards and his great great granddaughter Rosalina Isabella Saenz.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 24th at 1pm at the San Pedro Masonic Lodge, 623 S Foothills Dr, Benson, AZ 85602.

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