David James Edwards
David James Edwards, 58, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on July 10, 2023.
David survived more in life than most people would from motorcycle wrecks, snowmobile accidents, caught in a workplace fire explosion, head on collision in his semi, and a ruptured appendix. However, three years ago he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Dementia, which was a sentence of no return.
David was born Oct. 24, 1964 in Grand Junction, Colorado to parents, James and Earlene Edwards, the oldest of three children. His brother, Michael, and sister, Michelle joined the family in 1966 and 1969 respectively. They were raised and spent their school years in Grand Junction, with David attending and graduating from Central High School Class of 1983. He was on the Central Warrior tennis team and helped coach the girls’ tennis team. After graduation, David joined the United States Air Force. On completion of his basic training in San Antonio, Texas, he married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Whittum. Their three children, Sean, Michael, and Jessica were all born during his service years. David spent six years in the military with temporary duty assignments all over the world, including Italy/Greece which were his favorite places, and he also participated in Operation Just Cause in the invasion of Panama – 1989/1990. As a veteran, David was always very proud to have served his country and remained patriotic all his life.
When he was discharged, he returned to Grand Junction with his family. During this time, he showed that he was definitely a family man. David coached Little League and was a part of many large family gatherings throughout the years. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying motorcycle trips, four wheeling, skiing, hunting, fishing, and camping trips. The family often enjoyed snowmobile outings and a variety of other outdoor activities together.
David spent many hours with his father driving semi-trucks and he eventually bought his own truck and began a business, hauling hazardous materials, such as gas and crude oil. He loved trucking and being on the road. He would stay in touch, calling many family and friends to chat. He would tell them about looking out the big picture window and describe the beautiful moving scenery. We will miss his on the road calls. His truck was a source of pride and always meticulously detailed and maintained by David. He worked for many years with Basin Western, where he developed many lifelong friendships. He finished out his trucking career with PTI.
David had a love for animals of all kinds! He rescued many pets from animal shelters and loved them all, giving them the best lives possible. Sadie, his last dog, was with him when he passed away.
In 2011, David married Barbara Henning, the love of his life. With this marriage, David inherited two more children, Courtney and Taz. Over the years, David attended the birth of six of his ten grandchildren, assisting with the delivery of five of them. One nurse commented that he should have focused on his calling to be a doula.
David lived a life of honesty and hard work. He had a willingness to help others and touched many lives with his kindness and readiness to lend a hand whenever needed. Family and friends were so important in his life; he never met a stranger and could talk with anyone. He served as a Scoutmaster of Troop 62 in the Cherokee Area Council, BSA. He loved teaching the boys about life skills, especially wilderness survival. He had so much love to give and so much knowledge, the scouts enjoyed their time with David.
David leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, papa, and friend. He will remain in our hearts as a blessed memory. David is survived by his wife, Barbara Edwards; sons: Sean Edwards, Michael (Tiffany Johnson) Edwards, Taz Henning; daughters: Jessica Edwards (Dan Nicholson), Courtney (Ryan) Rarick; grandchildren: Matthew, Kevin, Isaiah, Samantha, Rhett, Serenity, James, AnnaLeigh, Allison, and Alexander (Zander). David is also survived by his mother, Earlene (Don) Hickman; stepmother, Ann Edwards; brother, Michael G Edwards; sister, Michelle (Rick) Kahle; Stepbrothers: Rowdy (Liza) Hickman, Hector, Michael, Mark; Stepsister: Debra Hollywood; aunts: Marjorie Edwards, MaryLou Barefoot, Carolee Ferguson, Lisa Edwards; cousins he grew up with and loved dearly: Charlie (Terry) Monzel, Carol (Pat) Lewis, Bill Edwards, Caitlin (Orion) Newman, Julie (Joel) Inman, Amy (Cameron) Carey, Sid (Chris) Ferguson, Leann (Gary) Pell, numerous nieces and nephews.
David will be in the company of many wonderful family members who preceded him in death: Father, James Edwards; Grandparents: Charles & Myrtle Edwards, Bob & Marilyn Kounias; Grandmother: Josephine Hickman Winch; Cousin: Sandi Monzel; Aunts & Uncles: Larry Ferguson, Tom Edwards, Mable & David Westerlund; Niece, Michaela Kahle; Second Cousin, Josh Monzel.
In lieu of flowers, please donate memorial contributions in David’s name to either of the following charities: Cherokee Area Council Boy Scouts in Chattanooga or your local animal shelter.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Chaplain Phil Lily officiating.
Condolences may be shared at lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.