Robert Lee Edwards left this world held in the arms of his loving wife, Rae and wonderful, grown children, Broc Dayton Edwards and Molly Rae Edwards on Saturday, January 30, 2016. Robert (Bob) was born August 19, 1945 in a little house between Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Vernon, Texas. When he opened his little eyes, he found himself in the arms of hard working, loving parents, and a whole slew of aunts, uncles and cousins. His parents Albert Lee and Elizabeth Goldie Edwards preceded him in death.
His family moved to Lockeford, California when he was only 2 months old. His dad was a custom farmer and taught Robert many of the skills needed for survival in a “do it yourself’ world. He attended Lodi High, Delta Community College and Sacramento State College. He met his wife, Rae in a coed dorm off campus near Sacramento State. They were married February 1, 1967.
He was drafted out of college in 1969 to serve in the Viet Nam war. He decided to join the Air Force rather than risk combat in the Army. He did not believe in the war, but felt compelled to support his country. Ultimately, he was stationed on Okinawa where he worked as an Airborne Voice Intercept Processing Specialist. His assignment took him to Viet Nam several times, where his exposure to Agent Orange played a major role in the cause of his death.
Robert moved his family to Winnemucca, NV in March of 1976 to escape the chaos of big city life. Here he was able to heal the emotional wounds of Viet Nam and raise his children in open space and desert beauty. His employment history in Winnemucca is quite long and varied. Most people know him best as the handsome, friendly, witty and knowledgeable guy at Tallman Lumber. He designed and saw to the installation of hundreds of cabinets, both for contractors and for private homes. His Tallman family was dear to him and gave him both fits and satisfaction.
His son, Broc was born on Okinawa and his daughter, Molly was born in Oklahoma City, OK. He often joked he had two ‘okies’. Broc married Aimee Ross and gave this Grampy two grandchildren, Claire and Dane. Molly also gave Grandpa two grandchildren, Nolan and Serena. Nolan and his girlfriend, Amber, gave Gpa a great granddaughter, Radiance. Robert was proud as punch of each and every one of his children and grandchildren and devoted much of his energy to their well being.
Robert has two beautiful sisters Kathie Ritchey (Ed) of Valley Springs, CA and Sharon Tharp (Walt) of Indian Valley, ID. Robert adored his sisters and held them and his many nieces and nephews close to his heart. He also has a brother in law, Don (Uschi) of Iowa. Robert enjoyed all three of his brother in laws and his sister in law and shared many laughs and fond memories over the years.
Robert is known for his brilliant mind, wit, patience, compassion, heart and loyalty. He leaves a powerful legacy, something for us all to keep in mind and strive for.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Sherry and all the folks at Hospice, Genesis Home Health, Humboldt General’s Ginger Tanner and her crew, Acute care nurses, ER doctors and nurses, ICU nurses Sam and Linda, Doctor Katerina Mahadeva, and Doctor Perkinson and staff for their genuine, loving care. A special thanks to Andy and Joe Rorex and Bob and Marlene at Sonoma Funeral Home who all made it possible to take care of our Bob in our own way. And of course, family and friends who have gathered with hugs, tears, giggles, flowers and food make it possible to celebrate Bob’s freedom rather than mourn our loss.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 13 at United Methodist Church at 10 am. Please join us in honoring a wonderful spirit who blessed us with his very being.
