Ranger Exes Memorial - RHS Class of 1965

Joe Edwards JOE WILLARD "BUTCH" EDWARDS JR. passed away on May 15 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, TX. Joe was born to Ollie & Joe (RHS-1943) Edwards on Sept. 24, 1946, in Crane, TX. The family moved to Ranger in 1963. He attended Ranger High School in the Class of 1965 at Ranger, TX. There he met the love of his life, Barbara Perrin (RHS-1970). They married in 1969 & remained joyfully married until his death. Joe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Mediterranean and in Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart. After his service, he returned to Ranger & his beloved wife. He worked first at North American Car as a welder, then at a Chevrolet dealership as an auto mechanic, and later as an entrepreneur of his own garage as an automotive transmission specialist. He was well known for his honesty, integrity, and eagerness to help others. Joe raised three loving children who blessed him with nine beautiful grandchildren. He loved and honored his wife and was an excellent, ever-present father and grandfather. He loved and served the Lord with all of his being. In his retirement, he enjoyed model building, remote- controlled airplanes, and playing with his grand- children. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ollie Edwards. Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara; three children and their spouses, Christa (RHS-1989) and Denis O?Leary, Cathy (RHS-1994) and Dan Collins, and Joe (RHS-2000) and Georgia Edwards III; grand- children Sean, Anna, Julia, Sam, and Ciara O?Leary, Zac and spouse Becca Lyons, Ethan Cole, and Perrin and Jasper Edwards; two sisters and their spouses/ significant others, Jeannie (RHS-1969) and Donna Edwards and Barbara Edwards Mayes and Rick; three brothers and their spouses, Steve and Dana Edwards, Sam and Sandy Edwards, and Collin and Paula Edwards; and beloved friend Elvira "Grandma" Short. A private funeral service was held at Alameda Cemetery on May 19. Donations in memory of Joe may be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Ranger Veterans Group. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe W. "Butch" Edwards please visit our Sympathy Store at Edwards FH.