John Edwards

John Elmer Edwards

John Elmer Edwards, 75, of Missoula, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, November 30^th 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer caused by Agent Orange.   

            John was born on August 23, 1948, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula to Milton and Esther Edwards. He grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and graduated from Florence Carlton High School in 1967. While in school, he lettered in Basketball and Football. He was also active in the Student Council, serving as President his Senior year.

After High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served honorably in the Vietnam War, earning multiple service medals.  After his service in the Marine Corps, he went to work for the Montana Power Company in 1970.  In 2003 he retired from the power company and started his 2^nd career with Ace Hardware, where he worked for another 17 years before retiring.

            John was an avid golfer, gardener, fisherman and handyman.   If it could be fixed, he would find a way to do it.   He spent multiple hours in his shop where he prided himself in building things and working on his cars.   He loved rebuilding engines.  One of the last projects he completed was a total restoration of his MG. 

John also treasured spending time with his two sons.  Whether it was fishing, watching football, hunting, rebuilding cars, or any other activity.  He would do anything for his boys, and he made sure they knew he could be counted on no matter what.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife Chrissy.  It did not matter what they were doing, as long as they were together, he was happy.   He was a delightful mixture of toughness and gentleness.  One of their favorite phrases was, “it’s not how many breaths you take, but how many moments take your breath away.”

            Survivors include his wife, Chrissy, Missoula; two sons and their families, Jeff, Coeur d’ Alene, and John, Thompson Falls; his mother   Esther, Florence; two brothers and their families, Denny, Florence and Terry, Florence, along with 4 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. 

            There will be a family service on Friday December 8^th, followed by a celebration of his life gathering in the spring of 2024.