Staff Sergeant Ivan Jewell Edwards, Sr., age 93, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022 following a long illness. He was born on May 28, 1929 in Jeffersonville, Indiana.  He graduated from Jeffersonville High School, class of 1950.  He is preceded in death by his parents & 8 siblings. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pat Edwards (married 71 years); daughters Julie Edwards and Denise Wall, son, Ivan Edwards Jr. (Debra-wife, grandchildren, Christopher Wall, Corey and Brandon Edwards, and Gretchen Edwards-Page.

Ivan joined the Army Air Corps in 1949, later called the United States Air Force.  He went through basic training and served in the Korean War.  His mission in Korea was to instruct the French Legionnaires how to fly an aircraft.  When he returned from Korea, he was assigned to be a flight engineer for 3 major Generals at Tinker AFB, OKC. He was then transferred to S.A.C. (Strategic Air Command) at Barksdale AFB.  He reflexed to Goose Bay, Labrador every 2 weeks.  Ivan then went TDY to Azores, Portugal for 90 days.  His medals include: National Defense Service Medal; Korean, Good Conduct Medal; Korean, Good Conduct Medal (1 Jan 57) (Br Cl 2 Lp), Air Force Longevity Service Award w 1 Br OLC (10 Mar58) GCMDL Br Cl w/3 lps (1 Jan 60).

After the Air Force, he opened his own business, Barksdale TV and Satellite Store which he ran for 35 years.  He was a very successful businessman.  Ivan was also a member of The Knights of Columbus Catholic Fraternity where he was a 4 ^th degree knight and held the office of Grand Knight for 2 terms.  He attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for 35 years.

Ivan could light up any room just from entering it. He would tell stories upon stories. He danced like no one was watching and sang his own made-up songs. He loved to hunt all wild game.  He also holds 3 blue ribbon patents.  He also owned Edwards' Elk Farm. He was a "self taught" man and could make anything happen.  He was a charmer.

In lieu of flowers, donations "In memory of Ivan J. Edwards" may be made to Blessed Sacrament, Ringgold, Louisiana.  Services at the Northwest Louisiana Veteran Cemetery will be announced later. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Theodore Geisel