John (Dwight) Edwards, 79 years of age, of Holdrege, died Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Homes Chapel in Holdrege, with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Offutt Air Force Base Funeral Honors Team at the Chapel. To honor Dwight, the family requests casual dress or sports attire. Following the traditional visitation, cremation will take place and inurnment will be held at the Moses Hill Cemetery in Phelps County Nebraska.
Visitation will be Monday, July 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.
Dwight was born Nov. 5, 1938 at Cozad, the youngest of four children born to John G. and Donna M. (Linsley) Edwards. He received his primary education from rural school District No. 18 at Lexington, Nebraska, through the eighth grade and completed his education at Lexington High School. Dwight was then inducted into the United States Air Force, and served his country until his honorable discharge on Sept. 3, 1958.
In 1963, Dwight was united in marriage to Ellen Beavers in Carlton and to this union three children were born, Becky, Clint, and Mike. The family made their home in Oregon, where Dwight was employed by Southern Pacific Railroad building railroad cars. The family then returned to Lexington, where Dwight managed the Husky Service Station, and later worked as a mechanic at the Chrysler garage. Dwight then began his career in swine confinement operation in Elwood, Sutton and Loomis. He also worked at Casey’s General Store in Holdrege until his retirement in 2001, where he enjoyed making the donuts and rolls every morning. Following retirement, Dwight was employed by Agri CO-OP in Loomis.
Dwight enjoyed fishing, loved cooking and baking, and building model cars.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen on Oct. 31, 1998. Dwight then met Betty A. (Deselms) Schriner, and the couple was united in marriage on Aug. 4, 2000. Dwight and Betty loved spending time together, whether it was attending an auction, a shopping spree, or watching TV; they treasured the moments. He also loved the time spent with their family. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his dog, Barney.
Dwight leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Betty Edwards of Holdrege; four children, Becky (Alan) Forster of Smithfield, Clint (Shelly) Edwards of Loomis; Mike (Logan)Edwards of Mt. Holly, N. C.; and Sylvia Edwards of Richland Hills, Texas; three step-children, Tim (Jan) McCracken of Edison; Terry (Vonda) McCracken of Fairmont; and Tracy (Whitney) Haack of Fairmont; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie Allison of Lexington; sister-in-law, Delta Mae Johnson of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Besides his wife, Ellen, and his parents; Dwight was preceded in death by one son, Jessie Edwards; one step-grandson, Stephen Haack; step-granddaughter, Patricia McCracken; two brothers, Jack Edwards, and Gayle Edwards; four brothers-in-law, Floyd Allison, Keith Johnson, Jim Deselms, and Harold Beavers; and one sister-in-law, Muriel Gebers.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dwight’s honor, and kindly suggested to cancer research.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.
