Evelyn Marie Edwards

Mrs. Evelyn M. Kamprath Edwards (Mrs. Harold S. "Gus" Edwards, age 84, a long time Abilene resident since 1950, died Saturday, May 20, 2006 at Wesley Court Nursing Center. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, May 22, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 23, at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Clyde Kieschnick officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Evelyn was born in Port Arthur, Texas on September 1, 1921, to the late Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Kamprath. He was employed by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. She also lived in Fairmont, Oklahoma and Leavenworth, Kansas. She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1938 and from Kansas University in 1942. She met Gus Edwards at Kansas University. They married April 9, 1944 in Leavenworth, Kansas. After WWII, they lived in Wichita Falls and Fort Worth, Texas before coming to Abilene in 1950. Mr. Edwards was in the oil business, initially as a geologist for Stanolind Oil Company and later an independent oil operator. Evelyn was Gus' initial receptionist and secretary when he first started Gus Edwards Co. Later she became vice president and then president after he passed away. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Roland W. Kamprath, husband Gus Edwards in 1996 and a son, Gary K. Edwards in 2003. Evelyn is survived by son, Bruce L. Edwards of Houston; four grandchildren, Cisne Marie of Columbus, Ohio, Nicole Marie and Chase of Potomac, Maryland, Eric Edwards of Abilene, and Bernadette Kamprath, sister-in-law and dear friend of Brenham, Texas. Evelyn belonged to the Abilene Women's Club, Pierian Club, Lunch Bunch, and church organizations. She served as secretary to Salvation Army Executive Board in the 1980's. Also, Evelyn always enjoyed a good game of bridge with her many friends. She supported and enjoyed the Abilene Philharmonic concerts and events and also enjoyed the Abilene Community Theatre presentations. She was a devoted Christian wife, mother and grandmother lovingly called "Granny". She and Gus were avid travelers and enjoyed corresponding with a variety of friends and acquaintances, met on numerous trips taken all over the world. A special thanks to Shirley Scott, Linda Henderson, Glenda Ascencio, Jan Carter, and Darlene Sims for their loving care in the treatment of Evelyn over the past ten months. The family would like to acknowledge and give special recognition to the individuals in the Sears Specialties, Wesley Court and Sears Hospice for all their service and support for the past three years; especially Carolyn, Samantha, Rebecca, Marion, Tracies, Nancy and Ciria for their on the scene care, love, and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Building Fund of Zion Lutheran Church, 2801 Antilley Road, Abilene, Texas 79606 or the Salvation Army, 1726 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas 79602.