J.L Edwards

J.L. Edwards, Jr., of Abilene, Texas passed away on Friday, November 9, 2012 in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a courageous 17 year fight with Parkinson's disease. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Abilene. A private burial will follow at McBee Cemetery near Lawn. J.L. was born in Lawn, TX to Jessel and Mary Edwards on February 15, 1935. He graduated Lawn High School in 1953 and then attended Hardin Simmons University, earning a BBA in 1957. He was drafted into the Army, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX for 2 years where he served as Manager of Officer Records. J.L. returned to Abilene in 1960 beginning his 32 year career at West Texas Utilities. J.L served as Manager of Employee Benefits before retiring in 1992. J.L. renewed old friendships and married Sue Ann Jacob at First Baptist Church on February 4, 1961 in Abilene, TX. J.L and Sue raised 3 children and recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. J.L. was an active member of First Baptist Church for 51 years, serving on numerous committees and ministry teams including teaching of Pre-School and Sunday school classes. His fondest involvement was teaching 2 and 3 year olds for 20 years. J.L had a heart for volunteerism and was involved in many civic organizations. Community involvement included serving as President, Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor of the Cactus Lions Club, President and Lifetime Member of Abilene Jaycees and JCI Senator, Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Abilene State School, Hardin Simmons University Board of Young Associates, Hardin Simmons Ex-Students Association, West Texas Rehabilitation Center Telethon, Western Little League and was Outstanding Lunch Buddy of the Year for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. J.L. enjoyed going to family and class reunions, attending many grandchildren's school and sport activities. He was fiercely loyal and faithful to his family and loved them dearly. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed travel around the U.S. and Europe, most recently a trip to Branson, Missouri. He loved to read and play volleyball and enjoyed history of all kinds. He was an attentive care giver for his parents and in-laws and had a passion for caring for those in need. He was an active and supportive member of the Big Country Parkinson's Support Group. J.L. was preceded in death by parents Jessel and Mary Edwards and brother Gerald Elton Edwards. J.L. is survived by wife, Sue Edwards, two sons Mark Edwards (Courtney) of Abilene, Matt Edwards (Vicki) of Amarillo, one daughter Mindi Curnutt (Casey) of Abilene, one brother Deral Edwards of Bangs, seven grandchildren; Elizabeth and Robert Riggins , Dallas and Reese Brown, Mackenzie and Kyle Curnutt, and Cooper, Cole and Madison Edwards. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Cactus Lions Club. Memorials may be given to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605; Big Country Parkinson's Association; and City Light Ministry of First Baptist Church, P O Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604.