Paul M. Edwards Obituary

 

Paul M. Edwards Obituary

Paul M. Edwards passed away peacefully at home in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, October 13, 2022. He was 89 years old. He was born in Independence in 1933, and graduated from William Chrisman High School, class of 1950. In 1952 he enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. Paul had a passion for academics and lived a life of the mind. He attended Washburn University, the University of South Dakota, and earned his PhD from St. Andrews University in St. Andrews, Scotland. He was a history and philosophy professor at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, retiring as Professor Emeritus and receiving a Doctor of Humane Letters. He served in faculty and administrative roles at several universities, served on numerous Boards, received the International Lions Club Medal of Honor and the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Freedom, lectured for the Mary Paxton Study Class, and taught classes at Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth. Paul was a pioneer in several organizations, including the Hemlock Society, John Whitmer Historical Association, and the Mormon History Association. He served in a leadership role in the Community of Christ church, and after leaving appointment founded the research archive, Center for the Study of the Korean War, where he was Senior Fellow until his death. Paul loved teaching and he loved his students, many of whom became lifelong friends. His other passion was writing. He authored published and unpublished works in the thousands- books, articles, and essays; works of non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and drama. He enjoyed watching Royals baseball with his wife Carolynn, long conversations with family and friends, Bryant’s Barbeque, sitting in the hot sun, and Bailey the cat. He disliked squash and kept an eye out for Fred. He could tame the dragon at the door but he couldn’t whistle. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, F. Henry Edwards and Alice Smith Edwards, and a sister, Ruth Fairbanks. He is survived by a brother, Lyman Edwards (Emma); his wife of 70 years, Carolynn Smith Edwards; their children Paula Christenson (Charles) and Gregory Edwards (DeAnna); grandchildren Alison Bethel Aust, Megan Bethel (Sharaz), Courtney Edwards O’Toole (Kevin), and MacKenzie Edwards; and wonderful great-grandchildren. Paul was always focused on what it meant to be human. He enriched many people’s lives, and it is in their hearts his legacy endures. He will be missed. Courage. Donations may be made to a local Salvation Army.