Donald E. Edwards

South Bristol, ME - Major General Donald E. Edwards died peacefully at his home on Aug. 16, 2018 in South Bristol, Maine. He was born on June 15, 1937 in Bellows Falls, Vermont to Ralph and Anne Edwards. He is the brother of Jane E. Edwards of Maine and father of William E. Edwards (Julie) of South Burlington, Vermont, Edmund E. Edwards (Kirsti) of Bennington, Vermont and four grandchildren, Lillie, Emmett, Annie, and Mai-Liis. Don leaves his beloved wife, Sue, and his step-children Elijah (Tram), Josiah (Cris), Ariadne (Alex), and Nathaniel (Maple).

Don attended Vermont Academy, Norwich University, University of Tennessee, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army War College, and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany, England and Vietnam. After service in the Army Reserve he was elected Adjutant General of the state of Vermont in 1981. For the next 16 years he commanded the 4000 members of the Army and Air National Guard. He founded the Army Mountain Warfare School and Mountain Battalion. Between leaving active duty in 1971 and being elected to the Adjutant General position, he was a Vermont Legislator, an antique dealer, and realtor. After his military retirement, he served as a Congressional Staff Member to Senator Bernie Sanders and worked as a news commentator and Executive Vice President of an Information Technology company. He retired in 2008. General Edwards was elected President of the The United States Adjutants General Association and Vice President of the National Guard Association of the United States. He served as Chairman of the Norwich University Board of Fellows and the United States Biathlon Association. Edwards was a decorated veteran, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the nation's highest peacetime honor, the Legion of Merit. Edwards loved his country and felt national service was an honor and a privilege. He believed war was "not a football game. War is not a tool of foreign policy, it's an absolute failure of foreign policy."

In retirement, Edwards was an avid gardener and life-long sports enthusiast who enjoyed cheering on the Red Sox, Bruins and any team his children or grandchildren played on. He loved the community of South Bristol and felt very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. A gathering in his honor will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 2:00 pm at Norwich University's Milano Ballroom, Northfield, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Rd., Randolph Center, VT 05061.

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Published by The Burlington Free Press on Aug. 23, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Edwards

Sponsored by Strong-Hancock Funeral Home.

17 Entries

Charles A. Brox, Jr.

August 17, 2021

I knew Don at Norwich, but really got to know him during training at "Camp" Drum in the 80's. I lived in Watertown, so Don had several meals at our home.
One summer Don told me he was going to become a Major General soon, and I just thought to my self he was in the fantasy stage of life ( he was a LTC at the time). The following winter I picked up a Army Times, and behold on the front page was Major General Don Edwards. I was trilled for him. He was a hard worker and loved the military. I looked forward to our annual training at Camp Drum and our reunions.

Don I am sure your organizing a military unit for God.

RIP my friend.

Regards

Charlie Brox

Charles A. Brox, Jr.

August 17, 2020

Donald and I were friends during his days at Norwich and we reunited our friendship during his tours at Camp Drum. I was living in Watertown and Don came to our house for dinner several times.

I remember one summer at our annual training Don told me he was up for Major General. After Training I thought he had great ideals. A few months later Don's picture appeared in the Army Times and he was having his stars pinned on. A great honor and well deserved.

RIP my friend till we meet again

Charlie Brox

September 3, 2018

An outstanding soldier and gentleman, who served his country, state and America's Army with distinction

Dennis M. Kenneally
Major General (ret)
United States Army

Ronald Allbee

August 28, 2018

I knew Don as a legislator, Adjutant General and as a person working for Bernie.. He was a square shooter and believed in the best for this country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Ron Allbee, former Vt. Sec of Agriculture

August 24, 2018

Will, Julie, and girls,
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I always enjoyed my conversations with your dad during his time in VT. He was an interesting man. Sending prayers your way.
Sincerely,
Teri sheehan

JACK MCDERMOTT

August 24, 2018

Don was my Squad Leader during my Rook Year. To those of us in his squad he was sometimes a scary guy. Very tough but very fair. I am still in touch with most of my classmates in my Rook Squad. Many times in our gathering over the years we have said what we learned about life and ourselves during the first six months at Norwich molded us for the future. Don was a big piece of that molding.

Over both of our long military careers we had many occasions to meet and laugh about those Norwich years.

You have my final salute,

Jack McDermott
NU60
Col. US Army (Ret.)

August 23, 2018

Don was my corporal my freshman year in 1956, we remained in the same company for Don's last 3 years at Norwich. Great guy, honest, was glad to see his success in his military life,
Bob Maccarini NU 1960

Charles Brox

August 23, 2018

Don, you were one fine gentleman, leader and friend. I enjoyed you at Norwich and when you use to visit Ft. Drum, than Camp Drum. Several times you came to my home for dinner in Watertown, NY.

We enjoyed each other very much and especially our chat on solving the worlds problems.

May you rest in peach my friend.

Charlie Brox, Chaumont, NY and Punta Gorda, Florida

Dick Thayer

August 23, 2018

Sincere condolences from a Norwich Classmate. Don was a very quiet nice guy and will be missed by all of the Norwich Class of '59

Robert Borkowki

August 23, 2018

I was proud to serve in the VTARNG (1982-2005), under General Edward's leadership. He was a good man and a great leader w/integrity and vision. He helped shape the VTARNG into one of the best organizations in the country!

Robert Delorme

August 23, 2018

Thank you sir for your service and friendship. I had the opportunity to serve under MG Edwards and he always would listen to my "comments from the field" and I have great respect for the advise and mentorship with which he provided me. RIP friend.

CSM (R) Allan Lane

August 23, 2018

Condolences, I am very proud to have served with this fine gentleman and officer. Prayers for all.

Lloyd Goodrow

August 23, 2018

I was proud to serve as a member of General Edward's staff in the Vt National Guard. I learned many things from his leadership and valued his mentorship and the confidence he placed in me. Rest in Peace Sir. Job Well Done.

Jim MacKenzie

August 23, 2018

I wish I had known General Edwards was one town away in South Bristol; I had the utmost respect for him when I lived and worked in Vermont. We were happy to have Vermont Army and Air National Guard support our efforts at the border, and my father, who was national president of the 10th Mountain Division, spoke highly of him for his role in developing the Mountain Warfare School. I wish I had been able to connect with him before he passed.

Mick Emilo

August 23, 2018

Prayers are sent for you Sir I thank you for your Service and friendship over the years you did what you loved most and that was serve your country to the upmost I saw during your career again you will never be forgotten.

DOROTHY Jacobs

August 23, 2018

As my husband would say General Edwards was the best in the National Guard and a pleasure to work for many fond memories I have of knowing this gentleman God Bless to the family my prayers are with you

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