Edwards, Arnold Olen

Arnold Olen Edwards, 74, of Dublin, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at the Friendship Retirement Center of Roanoke, Va., after a long illness. Arnold was born in Delton, Va. on June 23, 1933, to the late George Auther and Alma Quesenberry Edwards.

Arnold was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, retiring from the United States Air Force with 20 years of active duty in 1972. He retired from his second career as a certified welder and construction manager in 1995. He was well known, loved and respected by the professional craftsman who worked with and for him through the years. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout our country and abroad. To all that knew him he was a fine musician with a beautiful singing voice.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Martha Edwards; sister, Lois Edwards Clark; brothers, George Auther Edwards II and Emmett Glen Edwards; and nephews, George A. “Rusty” Edwards III, Roger Edwards and Michael Saunders.

He is survived by his best friend and only son, Terry Carl Edwards and his wife, Kathy Edwards, of Delton; grandchildren, Jeremiah and Tabitha Stevers; and great-grandchildren, Preston and Kylie Stevers of Giles County; also a special sister and brother-in-law who devoted much of their time caring for Arnold in his time of need, Rosalee and Gentry Hubbard, of Pulaski; his twin brother, Ronald Colen Edwards, of Delton; special sister-in-law, Mary Baskette, of Hyson, Tenn. Arnold also leaves behind a very long list of nieces and nephews who he dearly loved and adored.

Arnold believed that family and country were the most important things in life. He was a lifetime member of the Pulaski VFW Post #1184 where his last tour of duty on the honor guard with his brothers in arms meant so much to him.

I know in my heart to all that knew him, the world will not be the same without his caring affection, sense of humor and his gift to humanity. I will especially be always grateful for in 1964 in Fulda, West Germany he found me and made me an Edwards and an American.
Your son always, Terry.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008, from the Moore Cemetery, Boyd Road, Delton with the Revs. David and Becky Plott and Woody Phillips officiating. Military Rites at the graveside will be conducted by VFW Post #1184 of Pulaski. Visiting will be held on Thursday evening, April 3, 2008, from Stevens Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.