Donald Eugene Edwards, Ph.D.

Born on January 27, 1944, in Denton to Ruth and Earl Edwards, Don grew up on a 125-acre dairy farm east of Denton in the community of Mayhill. Don was the second of four children: Robert, then Don, Elizabeth, and William. His childhood years were simple yet fulfilling. From his parents, Don learned the value of hard work, a sense of fairness and compassion, and the importance of giving back to the community. Because of his devotion to family and love of traditions begun by his parents, Don has maintained a closeness to brothers, Robert and Will, and sister, Elizabeth, and their families, hosting holidays and swim parties at his home.

A bright student from his early years at Mayhill School, where he was double promoted, Don chose an academic path that led to Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Texas Christian University. After the corporate world of Sun Oil Company, Texas Instruments, and General Dynamics, Don decided to take a position at Texas Woman’s University, where he discovered his love of teaching and the bonds he forged with students. His patient nature came in handy as he delighted in explaining the complexities of mathematics. Don retired as Chair of TWU’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department, a position he held for 21 years. He also worked in the Dean’s Office and the Office of the Provost. Don’s legacy will live on through the many students he mentored.

Don’s love of family was evident in his closeness to his two sons, Jason and Kyle, sharing a love of sports and coaching their teams, allowing each son to find his own path in life. With Jason and his wife, Trish, and their children, Kahlan, Jarod, Cara, and Aaron, and Kyle and his wife, April, and their children, Owen and Grace, Don embraced the family traditions he so valued from his childhood and delighted in his role as grandparent.

To celebrate these family traditions, Don was joined by the love of his life, Pat Jackson, whom he married in 1999. Together Pat and Don shared a love of gardening, becoming active members of the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Denton County Master Gardeners. The two worked together to maintain their beautiful yard, even hosting garden tours in the spring. Through the years Don remained actively engaged with the Denton Community. He served as President of the Greater Denton Arts Council and was on the City of Denton Parks Foundation and the Theater Denton Governing Board. He also maintained close ties to his 1961 Denton High School classmates. Pat and Don hosted quarterly gatherings at their home and attended monthly lunch gatherings.

Don’s many accomplishments resulted in numerous honors. From TWU he received the prestigious Humphries Award, which noted his distinction as “an unassuming scholar and leader,” a model to all, and a treasure to the university. In addition, the Dr. Don Edwards Mathematics and Technology Center was dedicated to him in 2019 in recognition of his 36 years of service to TWU.

Don is survived by Pat, his wife of 26 years; his son Jason and wife, Trish, and their four children, Kahlan, Jarod, Cara, and Aaron; and Kyle, wife, April, and their two children, Owen and Grace; brother Robert and wife, Elaine; sister Elizabeth McSween and husband, Roger; and brother Will and wife, Andrea; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Memorial donations may be made to the Denton Public School Foundation. DHS Class of 1961 Endowed Scholarship. Attn: Jacqueline Jackson, DPSF Executive Director, Denton Public School Foundation, Inc., 1307 N. Locust, Denton TX 76201.

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