Jesse Raymond Edwards, 88, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, November 11, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
Graveside services with military honors will be at 2p.m. on Thursday, November 14, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville with Rev. Everett Bradshaw officiating.
Jesse was born on September 7, 1936, in Christian County, Ill., the son of Clifford and Rachel (Reynolds) Edwards. On February 13, 1959, in Mexico, he married Alice Louise Miller. She survives.
Mr. Edwards graduated from Pawnee (IL) High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He had been an active member for over 30 years with the Plumbers and Pipefitters 562, St. Louis, and traveled to many destinations for employment.
Jesse was a Christian all of his life and belonged to the First Assembly of God Church in Mexico. He had a love for music and played many of his instruments, including the acoustic guitar, electric bass guitar, and the piano. He was in a gospel trio for three years singing in different churches and venues.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Alice Edwards; and four siblings, Kay McDonald of Houston, Texas, Clifford Edward of Grass Lake, Michigan, David (Shaon) Edwards of Paris, and Peggy Lorraine (Ronnie) Painter of Paris.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Rachel Edwards; and an infant brother, George.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Assembly of God Church, 1920 Lakeview Road, Mexico, MO 65265.
Arnold Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com