John M. Edwards, 65, died January 28, 2011, at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE. He was born in Akron, OH, on January 8, 1946, the son of Maurice Willard (E.C.) and Mary (Dable) Edwards. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1964. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1964-1971, serving 4 tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired from Cessna/Eaton after 35 years. He was a member of the River of Life Church, where he served as an Elder. He enjoyed his many years of service on the "Spirit of Christmas" with Eaton.

On October 31, 1970, he married Delores Ann Roberson. She died January 26, 2007. He then married Judy Robinson on September 1, 2007. Survivors include: his wife, Judy, Hutchinson; a daughter, J'Anna Edwards, Hutchinson; adopted daughter (granddaughter), Ja'Salynn Edwards, the home; two sons, David (Beth) Edwards and Michael (Donna) Edwards, all of Hutchinson; a step-son, Tyronne Woodson, Hutchinson; two sisters, Sue (Gene) Yoder, S. Hutchinson, and Deborah Edwards, Wichita; a half sister, Peggy Lea Edwards, Marion, OH.; two half brothers, Ronnie Edwards and Jud Edwards, both of Marion, OH.; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepdaughter, Laurinda Denton; and great nephew Gage Switzer.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2011, at the River of Life Church at 17th and Adams, Hutchinson, with Pastor Dennis Stutzman officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday February 3, 2011, at Ott Funeral Home, Haven. Burial will be in Pleasantview Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Navy. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association in care of Ott Funeral Home, 102 N. Wichita, Haven, KS.