Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M. Saturday May 20th 2011
Location: Central Church of Christ in Moore, OK

Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes

Willie Edwards, 81, of Moore, OK, passed away May 17, 2011. Willie was born Jan. 16, 1930 in Davis, OK to Luther A. and Bonnie (Warren) Edwards. Willie attended Capitol Hill H.S. where he was an accomplished athlete and student body leader. His special football talents then secured his education at Central State College. Willie volunteered for the draft in 1952 and went to Korea where he coached football and basketball for the Army Special Services I Corp. His team won the Far East championship defeating teams from the Navy, Marines, and Air Force. Willie's gift for inspiring young men served his country well as he built the morale of battle fatigued young men. Willie then took his love of coaching to Seminole, H.S. serving five years as the head basketball coach. He ultimately returned to his Alma Mater, Capitol Hill H.S., teaching History and coaching football with his good friend C.B. Speegle. He was also a well known high school and college basketball referee. After returning from Korea, Willie became a Christian and ultimately served for many years as an elder at the S. E. Church of Christ. In 1970, Willie moved to Moore, OK finishing his 35 year educational career as a counselor at Moore H.S. Willie served his community as a Moore City Councilman. He was proud to be a founding board member for Old Surety Insurance. Willie was a loving and devoted father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend who touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 36 years Cleta Jo Edwards; two brothers, Rudy and Jerry Edwards; and his sister, Leveta Mescall. He leaves wonderful memories with wife Nancy Edwards; son, Marty Edwards and his wife Karen; his daughter, Michale Edwards; stepson, Mark Craig and wife Mina; stepdaughter, Laura Couser; brothers, Earl Edwards, Donnie Edwards and wife Odessa. Willie had 10 grandchildren; Lauren Young and husband Justin; Lainey and Lacy Edwards; Erin, Taylor and Trae' Edwards; step grandsons, Mack, Kolby and Brady Couser, and Riki Craig. Willie was so proud that his first great grandchild will be arriving in the fall. He was loved by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Doctor's Park Home Health, NRH I.C.U staff,
and special thanks for the care and guidance of the NRH Palliative Care Unit. Viewing will be Thursday and Friday from 4-8 PM with family greeting friends Friday from 6-8PM at Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday May 21, 2011 at Moore Central Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, please support the Search ministry http://www.searchtv.org and World Vision www.worldvision.org .