Allan John Edwards Jr.

1925 - 2021

Allan John Edwards, Jr.

On January 10, 2021, God called Allan John Edwards, Jr. to his eternal home, now reunited with his bride of 73 years. A robust man of great strength became another victim to COVID. Just shy of his 96th birthday, he lived an amazingly full, adventurous, exemplary life.

Born March 1, 1925 in Tulsa, OK, to Allan and Edith Edwards. He was given his father's namesake, becoming a junior, and the tradition continues.

Allan's father and father-in-law were born in Scotland. This common heritage created a family friendship bringing Allan and Vivienne together.

Allan left high school to enlist in the Navy and served as a bugler. Upon his return home from WWII, he married sweetheart, Vivienne, in December, 1947. Life long Tulsans, except for a 20 year stint, following retirement at the Coves on Grand Lake, where he was the first mayor and full time resident. He treasured the friends and experiences made during that time. He particularly cherished the time invested in his 4 children and 8 grandchildren, providing endless opportunities and a plethora of memories to be carved into the hearts of those he loved.

Allan was a bold, adventurous and fearless soul, always seeking a new experience. At a young age he taught his first horse to do amazing tricks. He was quite athletic and loved the great outdoors. Engaged in everything which peaked his interest, he played polo, banjo, became a pilot, enjoyed boating, waterskiing, fishing, golf, camping, international travel, ranching, hunting, motorcycling, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and racquetball. He helped establish Tulsa Racquetball & Aerobics Club. His love of life, family, country and God, pursuit of fun and adventure, enormous sense of humor, generosity, hearty laugh and the twinkle in his eyes will be the highlight of memories for family and friends. He was true to self, always applied the Rotary 4 Way Test, never held a grudge or languished in resentment, spoke his mind and moved forward with no regrets.

While raising their 4 children, their home was a place where all were welcome. Allan would organize neighborhood softball/football games to be followed by treating all to Weber's root beer. Many times he hosted a hotdog roast, asking his kids to knock on doors, inviting all neighbors to bring a dish and join in fellowship and fun games for the kids. While living at the lake, he hosted an annual fish fry, inviting all to attend and contribute a dish or fish to add to the festivities. He never knew a dull moment and found great pleasure in both having and providing fun for all.

In 1947, his father, Allan Edwards, Sr. started Allan Edwards, Inc., an international pipeline products business. Allan followed in his father's footsteps, exponentially growing the business, as did his son, Allan (Scotty) Edwards, III, and grandson, Allan (Chip) Edwards, IV, who runs the company today. A lifetime dedicated to work, community and church ran through his veins. He served as President of The Salvation Army and Downtown Tulsa Rotary Club where he was a lifelong member. He shared his gorgeous bass voice with The Rotary Men of Note and the Singing Men at First Presbyterian Church.

He cherished a private and personal relationship with his Lord and faith was of supreme importance. An experience he had in the Navy forged his complete confidence in God's presence, provision and truth in securing his future. He placed full trust in his Savior, loved and served his church, faithfully worshipping at First Presbyterian Church as a lifelong member.

Allan was preceded in death by his wife, Vivienne Couper Edwards; parents, Allan and Edith Edwards; sister, Helena Irons; and son-in-law, Duncan K. Fuller. He is survived by his children, Ellen Fuller, Lynne (Laurence) Mansur, Janet (Terence) Bull and Allan "Scotty" (Michelle) Edwards, III; grandchildren, Emily Fuller (Chris Cook), Lindsey Fuller (Ryan Dougall), Allan "Chip" (Katie) Edwards, Couper Edwards, Kelsey (Isaac) Gronseth, Kylie (Jacob) Herriman, Tyler (Jess) Bull, Lauren Bull; and 14 great grandchildren.

The family is eternally grateful to his two caregivers, Chassidy Calderon and Angela Suttles. Both offered great comfort and faithfully cared for both Allan and Vivienne in their final years. Their dedication, sacrifice and friendship will be remembered with great gratitude, especially during the restrictions imposed by COVID, preventing physical contact and in person visits. Additional gratitude is extended to the staff of Inverness Skilled Nursing and Grace Hospice for their care and personal touch. Allan and Vivienne resided at Inverness Retirement Village for the past 15 years.

Allan was a larger than life, stalwart man with a magnetic personality whose mission was to do his part to make the world a better place. He completed his journey, as he had hoped...to not arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, declaring "Thank You Lord, what a ride!"

Due to Covid, a private family service will be held. A celebration of life will be held at church for Allan and Vivienne, when Covid restrictions allow for larger gatherings.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa or Rotary Club of Tulsa.