Louie Edwards (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas—Louie Francis Edwards, 96, died Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in Tulia. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012 in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Donna Nelson, pastor officiating and Rev. Ernie McGaughey assisting. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. Louie was born to Charles and Grace Edwards in Leonard, Fannin Co., Texas on September 15, 1915. He graduated from Leonard High School in 1934. He served in the US Army, 9th Infantry, 2nd Division from 1936-1939. He served in the US Navy 65th C-Bee Battalion from 1945-1946. He moved to Swisher County in 1939 and worked at Griffith’s Produce in Tulia as a butcher and ice man. He married Mary Evelyn Sharp on March 2, 1940 at First Methodist Church in Tulia. From 1941 to 1944 he was lead man in the milling machine department at North American Aircraft Plant in Englewood, California. He was a self-employed farmer, stockman and businessman. He opened Tulia Trading Post in 1951 and was active in the business until November 2011. He was the oldest member of First United Methodist Church in Tulia. They received the Pioneer Spirit Award in 2010 from the Tulia Chamber of Commerce. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Survivors include his wife: Mary Edwards of Tulia, one son and daughter-in-law: Tommy and Caro Edwards of Yakima, Washington, three daughters and one son-in-law: Joyce Childers of Tulia, Joan Berry Shields and husband Don of Amarillo and Suella Hill of Tulia, one brother: Bill Edwards of Amarillo, his grandchildren: Donnie Childers of Tulia, Ricky Childers of Bushland, Chris Childers of Howardwick, Mike Berry of Amarillo, Steven Berry of Grand Prairie, Greg Berry of Amarillo, Mark Bullard of Amarillo, Brandilyn Hill of Tulia, Ethan Hill of Lubbock, Jessica Edwards of Seattle, Washington, Jamey Edwards of Yakima, Washington, Tina Davis of Claude and Tracie Cooper of McLean, and 20 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Grace Edwards, his brother: Al Ray Edwards and his sons-in-law: Larry Berry and Johnny Nix. Memorials may be made to the Rose Hill Cemetery, PO Box 116, Tulia, Texas 79088.