John Paul Forrest Edwards

John Paul Forrest Edwards, 73, of Sedalia, beloved patriarch, beautiful soul, and Vietnam Veteran, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at his Sedalia home from natural causes.
He was born October 30, 1950, in Marietta, GA, a son of Earl and June (Kahrs) Edwards.

John was a graduate of Smithton High School and honorably served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division during Vietnam. John retired from Broderick and Bascom Rope Company in Sedalia. John was a very talented carpenter and after retiring, he owned and operated a few small businesses (one being a picket fence company). After working on his own for several years, John later went back to work, and retired from Alcan Cable. 

John possessed multiple talents and was known as a creative genius and philosopher by those who knew him best. He had quick wit, was highly intelligent, had an adventurous spirit, and was a natural charmer. Possessing a beautiful singing voice and aptitude for guitar, John recorded music in the 1970’s. He was also an undefeated amateur boxer while living in Georgia before serving in the Army. His passion for visual arts included wood carving and modern art on canvas. John possessed exceptional skill for locating arrowheads and a keen eye for finding four-leaf clovers. Mostly, John loved his family, playing basketball and being in nature hunting mushrooms and tending to his garden. Family meant the most to John (his grandchildren were especially favored) and he cherished every moment he had with them. 

Survivors include five children, Cassandra Hedderich of Sedalia, Kristin Edwards of Sedalia, John Gabriel Edwards of Sedalia, Elizabeth Edwards (Nick Davis) of Sedalia, Matthew Edwards (Taylor) of Warsaw; the mother of his children and prior spouse Kathy Lindenmeyer; one sister, June Scheel (Keith) of Smithton; 11 grandchildren, Jason Hedderich, Kali Hedderich, Devin Hedderich, John Edwards, Jolene Edwards, Josie Parker, Hunter Brichacek, Emily Davis, Eli Davis, Max Edwards, Maizy Edwards; three great-grandchildren, London Hedderich, Aurora Hedderich, Vivian Hedderich.

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Edwards and Ben Edwards.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia with burial to follow at the Irwin Cemetery near Clifton City with full military honors.