Donald L. Edwards

Donald L. Edwards

Virginia Beach - CDR Donald Lewis Edwards, USN, (Ret.) age 88, died September 8, 2016 at the Virginia Beach home of his niece Carol Shrader. He was a long time resident of Virginia Beach, retiring in the Kempsville home he purchased during a tour of duty in Hampton Roads.

Don, born in Neshoba Co, MS was the son of Richmond Conwell Edwards & his wife Queenie Lavada McNeill. A brilliant man, he graduated from high school at age 15. Following his graduation the family moved to Arkansas. Junior college was followed by the beginning of his distinguished Naval Career. He loved to tell stories of his experiences and adventures around the globe. Service began at the end of WWII & also included the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War.

Following retirement Don attended Old Dominion University & received a degree in Accounting. Deciding not to enter the work world, he spent his days enjoying reading, computers & electronics. He loved his annual 3 month "deployment" in a camper for trout fishing in New Mexico near an area where he had done a naval tour of duty. He was a devoted member of Old Donation Episcopal Church.

Don married the love of his life, Edna Elaine Hall while on a naval cruise. Edna met his ship in Jacksonville. They then drove up the coast to Georgia to get a marriage license.

He was predeceased by his parents, spouse, and brother, Robert Mills. Surviving to cherish his memory is his niece, Carol Mills Shrader of Virginia Beach, who he called the daughter he never had; sisters-in-law, Joyce Gilbert, Helen Fulp, & Oneta Nichols; additional nieces & nephews, including Lynn Mills Libell, Bob Mills, & Rob Fulp; and great-nephew, Neal Shrader.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Amy & Angela with Sentara Hospice Services, who became like family.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, September 10 at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at noon on Monday, September 12 at Albert G. Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's 2016 Campaign to Conquer Cancer, P O Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-9901. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com