David Craig Edwards

The Heavenly Choir just received a new tenor. David Edwards passed away quietly at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the age of 66. Last year he fought a valiant battle against lymphoma cancer and won. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer unknowingly came and took him from us too soon. David was born on May 10, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, to E. Craig Edwards and Judith Garrick Edwards. He attended schools in the Westchester area and after graduating from high school went to Brigham Young University. After a year at BYU, he was called to serve in the Northern England Mission. Upon completing a successful mission, he returned to his studies at BYU. He graduated with a triple major in special and elementary education. He would later go on to earn a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. When David was 13 years old, he was in a go-cart accident. While in the hospital, he complained of a sore finger when actually he was suffering from a life-threatening subdural hematoma. Through the work of good doctors and many long days and nights of prayer, he survived. Cautiously, the doctors told his parents that David would have impairments and not expect him to graduate from high school. From his many accomplishments in education and in life, David has again proven to the world to never tell a child they cannot do or achieve anything they set their mind to. It was while attending BYU he met his eternal sweetheart and companion, Karen Sue Echols. They met while attending a square dance class and he danced his way into her heart and has been there ever since. David and Karen were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Temple on August 23, 1975. This month they will be celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary. David and Karen are the proud parents of four wonderful children, each of whom have taught them both a lot about life and unconditional love. Their children are Daniel Craig Edwards, Alexander Wilford Edwards, Nicholas John Edwards and Kimberly Jennelle Crane. He is the "World's Most Fun" Grandpa to all his grandchildren and will be missed always. One of the greatest remembrances we have of David is his love for everyone particularly children. He enjoyed playing, singing, making animal balloons, walking as a clown in the Days of 47 Parade with his dog Susie, being Santa's helper and most importantly, teaching us all how to enjoy life! While he got his playful personality from his father, he developed a deep love and appreciation of music and singing through his sweet mother. He played a clarinet in high school and was in the marching band. He joined the Men's Chorus while attending BYU and sang in many ward choirs. Other than being with his family and beautiful grandchildren, singing and performing is what he enjoyed the most in life. He was a member of the Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Chorus and the Gray Matters quartet. There are no words to explain the importance of the friendships he developed while singing with these fine men. It was special to his family to see the joy it brought to David to be called a "Statesmen". Living so close to the Pacific Ocean, he developed a deep admiration for the ocean and loved body surfing, digging for sand crabs and most importantly, building sandcastles only to see them washed away by the waves. One of the fondest childhood memories was the annual family camping trip to Yosemite National Park. David served as a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple. He and Karen were able to serve as inner city missionaries and develop great friendships with their "other" ward. Most recently, they were serving as guest service missionaries at the Conference Center. He loved to serve the Lord and others. David is preceded in death by his father; mother; oldest sister Jelaire Edwards Peel; and Douglas John Edwards (DJ). He leaves behind his wife Karen; two sisters, Karen Edwards Wood and Linda Edwards Wilson (Jim); many dear nieces and nephews; and tons of friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at the Whitewood Ward, 3555 West 5620 South. Viewings will be held Monday, July 31st, 6-8:00 p.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and again Tuesday prior to services at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Taylorsville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Place of Birth:Westchester, CaliforniaPlace of Death:Taylorsville, Utah