Thomas J. Edwards, 77, of Coldwater passed away peacefully Friday, November 24, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.
Later this summer, a Celebration of Life for Tom will be held at the Waffle Farm Campground followed by an interment of ashes at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI.
Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Thomas was born August 22, 1946, in Troy, OH to Charles and Dorothy (Mattocks) Edwards. Tom was a lifelong resident of Coldwater, Michigan.
He was very proud of his military service with the US Army from 1966 – 1968. He was a door gunner assigned to the 134th Aviation Company during the Vietnam War, earning the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. Tom recently visited the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC to see the names of members lost in his unit. He also attended his first Vietnam Reunion in Granite Falls, MN in September and was reunited with his aircraft , Tail Number “325” in Daleville, Alabama this past Veterans Day.
He was most grateful to share the special experience with his two sons who are currently serving in the U.S. Army, along with their families.
Tom married Diane (Scott) on July 10, 1993 in Coldwater. She preceded him in death in January 2022.
Tom and Diane spent 30 amazing years living in southern Michigan and camping throughout northern Michigan. They spent the golden years traveling in their RV back and forth to Arizona and Mississippi with their favorite destination ultimately being the Waffle Farm Campground.
They were easily recognized in their Michigan colored golf cart cruising the campground, giving rides to the grandchildren, always with welcoming smiles and ready for a casual conversation.
Tom was a jack of all trades employed throughout southern Michigan. A certified plumber and handyman, working at Gambles, White Supply, and later Federal Mogul.
However, Tom was most proud of being a business owner. Tom owned the Union 76 Truck Stop on the corner of 12/127 near Michigan International Speedway for ten years meeting all NASCAR superstars. He then went on to own and operate Edwards’ Seamless Gutter service for several years with his love to provide a good service to others in his community at a fair price.
Tom also operated an assisted living facility with Diane, always offering a welcoming home to those in need.
Tom was a giver. People gave him his energy and he loved to serve others in any capacity. After years of service to his country and his community through his businesses, Tom continued to do things for others by mowing lawns, repairing houses, and simple odd jobs many times accompanied by his close friends or with his big brother Bob. He even took over duties dressing up every year as Santa Clause for his father Charlie by supporting local children or adult events, along with Diane by his side.
Tom loved the comradery of his golf team and card games, especially with his Vietnam buddies and spending all the amazing summers with his Waffle Farm Campground family. He loved traveling, boating, lake life, and Ohio State football, although begrudgingly supporting Michigan after he married Diane.
Tom was humble, had a zest for life, and was a stranger to no one.
Tom is survived by his children Col. Jason (Jacqilyn) Edwards of Fort Jackson, SC, SGT Josh (Melissa) Edwards of Toledo, OH; his step-children Niki (Dale) Acker, Robert (Stephanie) Gonczy, Jennifer (Chris) Mercer; his grandchildren Willem and Zanna Edwards, Dakota (Rian) Edwards, SGT Chase Edwards; his step grandchildren Zakk Acker, Emma Mercer, Brian, Patrick and Willow Lewis; his great grandchildren Michael and Guinevere Edwards; his sister-in-law Carol Edwards, his former wife and mother of his children Cindy (Doty) Ferguson; his beloved card game friends, golf team members, wonderful Waffle Farm Family and very special childhood friends Irv English and Jimmy Birchfield.
Tom was preceded in death by his brother Robert Edwards, half-brother Larry Edwards, half-sister Janet Favorite, and former wife Shirley Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the 134th Aviation Company where the proceeds will be used to support future reunions to bring former Vietnam veterans together.
Tom will also be memorialized by the 134th at the Gatlinburg, TN reunion in September 2024. Donations can be directed through Venmo to @SGTThomasJEdwards
Tom Edwards became a dear friend in a very short period of time. We felt like we had known each other for years. On each visit he brought warmth, laughter, and a genuine sense of caring rare to find in this world.
Tom often spoke of his childhood, his parents, and his family. He was quietly proud of them all, especially his sons, but never boastful. He was proud of his service in the military and on occasion allowed us a glimpse of his experiences as a young man.
We are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend. He is and always shall be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathies to Tom’s family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace Tom, until we meet again in God’s good time.
John and Bronac McAuley