Thomas “Tom” Lee Edwards, 85, of Enfield, IL (formally of Carlsbad, NM) passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Covenant Specialty Hospital in Lubbock, TX. Tom was born in Short Creek, KY on May 14, 1938 to Dewell Edwards and Ida (Shain) Edwards. He proudly and faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, where he received the Air Force Commendation Metal. He retired in 1975 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. Tom was a skilled mechanic with a vast storehouse of mechanical and electrical knowledge. This knowledge was apparent in his uncanny ability to troubleshoot malfunctions by look, feel, or sound. While he was raising three daughters, he purchased five mopeds and a go-kart for them and their friends to enjoy. He loved to sit on the porch and watch the children ride until something failed and they would push the broken moped or go-kart back for him to fix. The children were usually riding again within 5 to 10 minutes, if they didn’t just jump on another vehicle. Tom loved to fish and hunt. Although he tended to be more successful hunting or fishing when his daughters were not around, he took them with him whenever he could. He was always so proud when a daughter caught a fish or other small game. After seeing his daughters through to adulthood, Tom returned to Illinois with his dog “Killer” to be near his siblings, since he had not spent much time with them after he enlisted at the age of 17. He spent many years in Enfield near his closest brother, Archie Paul Edwards, and some of the best neighbors anyone could ask for. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Dewell and Ida (Shain) Edwards, and six siblings, James Harland Edwards, Charles “Charley” Dewell Edwards, Lillie Margaret Hankins, Archie Paul Edwards, Josephine Edwards Aukamp, and Carolyn Sue “Sussie” Edwards. He is survived by his siblings, Mary Katherine “Kate” Cobb of IL, Buck Edwards of Florida, and J.D. Edwards of Phoenix, AL, and children, Thomas E. Edwards of Waco, TX, Joseph C. Edwards (Tamara) of El Dorado, KS, Michele L. Billett (Robert) of Carlsbad, NM, Brenda L. Edwards Kirkes (Justin) of Los Alamos, NM, and Sarah L. Marquez (Joshua Delgado) of Los Alamos, NM, nine grandchildren, Daniel Edwards, Brianna Edwards, Jared Lee Billett, Augusta Edwards, Francisco Marquez, Joseph Bealler III, Azrieal Marquez, Ian Kirkes, Isaac Marquez-Delgado, and numerous nieces and nephews.Tom will be profoundly missed and his spirit will continue to inspire us every day. Graveside services and burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2024 in Enfield Cemetery in Enfield, IL with full military honors by the Carmi American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends and family will gather from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. in Enfield Cemetery. Stendeback Funeral Home in Enfield is assisting the family with arrangements.
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