Monte Harrell Edwards

Monte Harrell Edwards, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 1, 1950, in Kilgore, Texas, to Vaughn and Jeanne Edwards.

Monte spent his early childhood in Kilgore before his family relocated to Brazil during his teenage years. It was there that he developed a lifelong appreciation for culture and discipline-becoming fluent in Portuguese and earning a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After returning to Kilgore, Monte graduated from high school and went on to attend Kilgore Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Betsy.

In 1971, Monte was drafted into the United States Army. He and Betsy were married on December 2, 1972, and soon afterward moved to Belgium, where Monte was stationed at SHAPE Hospital serving as a medic. During his service, Monte was selected to play rugby for the U.S. Army, a role that allowed him to travel throughout Europe playing the sport he loved.

Following his military service, Monte and Betsy returned to Texas in 1975 and settled in Garland, where they raised their two children, Kelly and Casey. Monte was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose strength, character, and love for family left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Monte is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy Edwards of Allen; his daughter, Dr. Kelly Moore, and son-in-law Russell Moore of Van Alstyne, Texas; his son, Casey Edwards, and daughter-in-law Julie Edwards; and his ten grandchildren: Austin Moore (and wife Maddie Moore), Samantha Moore, Lauren Moore, Timothy Moore, Emma Edwards, Blake Edwards, Avery Simpson, Abby Simpson, and Michael Simpson.

Monte was a man of faith who trusted in God's plan and lived his life guided by love, service, and humility. While we grieve his passing, we find comfort in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, and we rejoice knowing we will see him again.