John Andrew "Big John" Edwards

John Andrew "Big John" Edwards, age 71, of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025. He was born January 30, 1954 in Wilmington the son of the late John Arthur "Art" and Joycelyn Ann (Hiney) Edwards and had graduated from Wilmington High School in 1973. A lifelong Clinton County resident, John was the owner of John Edwards Roofing for many years after growing up working on the family dairy farm, and learning the construction trade. He had also spent time working at Fisher Lumber in Wilmington. John was known to celebrate the holidays dressing as Santa Claus and was a master coyote hunter. His love of the outdoors became an influence for the younger generation to get into the woods and hunt. Known as the founding father of the "Porttucky Soultakers" he loved driving the #13 car in the demolition derbies at many County Fairs. In later years he enjoyed competing with his beloved dog, Roxy, in wiener-dog races around the area. John would do anything for anyone and was always there when needed. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jason Andrew (Amanda) Edwards of Martinsville, and Charles Evan Edwards of Port William; siblings, Darrell (Mary Lou) Edwards of New Antioch, Bobby (Margaret) Edwards of Wilmington, Belinda (William) Baldwin of Leesburg and Craig (Joyce) Edwards of Port William; step siblings, Lorie (Richard) Kelso of New Antioch, Thomas (Tammy) Wilson of Maine, Todd (Amanda) Wilson of Montana and Lisa (Bob) Sayfried of Goshen; sisters-in-law, Jeanie (Elvin) Shelton of Wilmington, Lois Patton, Joe Kraener, and Vickie Kendall; grandchildren, Michael Mack, Noah Mack, Skyla Edwards, Carson Edwards, Alexis Roberts, Clayton Ramsden, John Edwards, Alexis Stamms, Brooklyn Nadeau, Parker Edwards, and Charlie Edwards; great-grandchildren, Vivian, Mark, and Ellie; nieces and nephews, Dawn, Robert Jr., Matthew, Shane, Jeremy, John Robert, Shelby, Paige, Kacy, Payton, and Chelsea; very special friend, Kenny "Peanut" Younker; numerous aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews; many friends; and his best friend, his dog, Roxy. Along with his parents, John is preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Debra (Wallen) Edwards ; grandson, Oaklen Edwards; nephew, Wayne Allen Edwards; stepmother, Phyllis Emily (Irvin); sister-in-law, Kay George; and brother-in-law, Mick Wallen. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Wilmington Church of God. Pastor Rich Boll will officiate. Visitation will be 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday March 28, 2025 at the church. Following services on Saturday, burial will immediately follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Port William. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or our Facebook page, Brown Funeral Home.
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