Vernon Olney Edwards

Vernon Olney Edwards, 91 of Edison, Ohio joined Our Lord on August 7, 2021, after an extended illness surrounded by his family in their home of 60 years.

Vernon retired after 33 years from H.P.M. in Mount Gilead where he took great satisfaction in being an organized and meticulous shopkeeper.

Vernon proudly served two tours of duty in the Army. Stationed in both Germany and Korea, many of favorite stories were about his comrades and their accomplishments. Quick to "think outside the box", Vernon helped his fellow soldiers solve problems with unique and unusual solutions.

Survived by his one and only true love, his wife of 68 years, is Helen Lorine Edwards of Edison, Ohio. Theirs was the greatest of loves. Against the odds, unusual circumstances brought them together and they truly fell in love "on first sight". Their children referred to it as a "marriage in heaven" and knew the story of their meeting by heart since it is their mother's favorite remembrance. Helen was his "Chick-a-dee" with whom he fell asleep nightly while holding her hand.

Deeply loved by his children, he is remembered for his honesty, kindness and especially humor. Vernon is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters. Mikel Vernon Edwards (wife Vickie Lemaster), Marvin Allyn and Terry Lee Edwards all of Edison, Ohio. Daughters Jennifer Denise Holloway (husband Gregory) of Caledonia, Ohio and Nina Gail Williams (significant - other Dan Ferguson) recently of Logansport, Indiana.

Vernon was born to and preceded in death by his parents Webster and Princy (Owens) Edwards of Haysi, Virginia. Born July 4, 1930, Vernon's children remember watching fireworks every year which they believed were in his honor.

Named after his uncle Vernon, he was known to his siblings by his middle name Olney. He was preceded in death by, Themla Meade, Oma Breeden, Arlie Edwards, June Deel, Faye Barton, Gay Edwards, Betty Deel, and Joyce Anderson. He is survived by siblings Catherine Miller, Sally McGowan, and Stella Gary.

Always a loving, joke-telling Grandpa, he would at times become so tickled by his own joke or story that he could hardly speak to finish. His much-loved grandchildren included Michelle, Christopher, Nathan, Raquel, and Shannon. Vernon also amassed 18 great-grandchildren and 11 great- great grandchildren, all of whom he delighted in seeing. He was always quick to welcoming each new baby with funny faces, wide eyes, and silly noises in order to make them smile.

One of his greatest qualities was the natural ability to fix, replace, and improve any item even if it was fresh from the store. He delighted in explaining the details to his children who occasionally pretended not to listen. However, he was able to pass this ability on to many of his children and their children.

His family will be honoring his life with funeral services held on Thursday August 12, 2021, at his place of worship, Edison Enterprise Baptist Church located at 3055 St. Rt. 95 Edison, Ohio. Visitation hours are 9:00-10:00 am. Funeral services will commence immediately following. Family and friends are encouraged to bring stories of how they best remember him.

Following the funeral, Vernon will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery located at 6916 St. Rt. 95 West, Chesterville, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Edison Enterprise Baptist Church and/or EEBC Food Pantry.