Gary Lee Edwards, Sr., 70, of Edwardsburg, MI passed away after a lengthy battle with Cancer on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital.

Gary was born on November 10, 1951 in Three Rivers, MI to the late, George O. Edwards and Bonieta "Bonnie" Fern (Drake) Maxson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George on April 26, 1969 and Bonnie on October 11, 2020; grandchildren, Joscelyn and Aidan and siblings, Steven Edwards, Marcia Maxson and Linda Toppins.

Gary is survived by his children, Melissa Edwards (Gary Wager) of Elkhart, Candy Haas (Dennis Dull) of Elkhart, Gary L. Edwards, Jr., of Moorehead, MN, Chad (Teresa) Edwards of Cassopolis, MI and Tonya Edwards of Edwardsburg, MI; brother, Frank (Sharlene) Herington; sister, Connie Jo Little of Elkhart; grandchildren, Michael, Jessica, Joshua, Scotty, Cody, Tyler, Austin, Sophia, Zachary, Lucas, Jacob and Adrian; 7 great grandchildren and first wife, JoLee LaRue of Elkhart and second wife, Melanie Edwards of Elkhart.

Gary honorably served his country in the U.S. Army as a SPC4 in Korea. He was employed locally with Stoutco, Ron's Painting and Sandblasting, Godfrey Marine and most recently, Robert Weed, retiring in 2008. Gary was an avid fisherman and a former member of the Maple City Anglers. He loved being in the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. He thoroughly enjoyed taking his grandchildren out on his boat teaching them to fish. Gary was an excellent bowler and spent many years on different leagues. He also played in pool leagues even travelling to Las Vegas for billiard tournaments.

Most of all, family was everything to Gary. He could be sarcastic and funny but always had a big heart. Those that knew and loved Gary remember him as a "man of few words" and you always knew where you stood with him. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Gary's life will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 with Rev. Joel Irvin officiating.

Family and friends may gather 2 hours from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the start of the service at the funeral home.

Burial with military honors will be rendered at Adamsville Cemetery in Edwardsburg, MI afterwards.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438 or directly to the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.