Donald Edward

Oct 24, 1935 -

May 31, 2025

Donald Leroy Edwards, age 89, Eagle River, Alaska, passed away on May 31, 2025. Services for Donald are on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Eagle River. Visitation/viewing will be at 11 a.m., funeral mass at 12 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following the funeral. Interment at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery in Anchorage, will be at 4:30 p.m. Donald was born on Oct. 24, 1935, in Lyons, S.D., to parents Charles Edwards and Myrtle (Carlberg) Edwards. He grew up in Colton, S.D. and graduated from Colton High School in 1953. Don eventually lived in Lake Andes, S.D. His father owned a sporting goods store there, where Don loved to work. He met Gloria Marie Curtin on a double-blind date, set up by his best friend, Paul Kern, at the Rest Haven Dance Pavilion near Lake Andes. They were married on Dec. 8, 1956, in Cheyenne, Wyo. A son, Joseph Leroy, was born in Wagner, S.D. Next, they lived in El Paso, Texas, where they welcomed a son, Charles Henry. They soon moved to Igloo, S.D., where they welcomed a daughter, Diane Marie. While living there, they also had twins, a daughter and a son, Denise Catherine and Daniel James, born in Hot Springs, S.D. When the Igloo, Army Depot was closing, Don and Gloria moved their family to Eagle River. Don and Gloria lived happily in Eagle River and raised their family there on Easy Street. He retired from the Civil Service in 1996, after 38 years with the Department of Army. Upon retirement, Donald worked, once again, in sporting goods at Walmart in Eagle River. He was involved in activities at St. Andrew Catholic Church, including the catechism program, the choir and many others. He was involved in Toastmasters, square dancing, and other organizations. Donald was a true Alaskan. He loved Alaska! He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a lifelong sportsman and supported related causes. Donald loved spending time at his beautiful cabin in Trapper Creek, Alaska, built by his son Joseph. Donald is survived by his children, Joseph Edwards (Nora) of Trapper Creek, Charles Edwards of Eagle River, Diane (Daniel) Dvorak of Yankton, S.D., and Daniel Edwards of Eagle River; brother-in-law, Michael Curtin; sisters-in-law, Mary Huneke of Macon, Ga., and Loretta Curtin; grandchildren, Shara De La Cruz, Kimberley (Tony) Pate, Shani (Isaac) Worley, Sarah (John) LaScola, Chris (Nicole) Dvorak, Shana (Daniel) Deibler, Jordan (Ema Kate) Edwards, Shari (Charles) Clare, Brendan (SiaKayle) Dvorak, Charles Edwards, Sarah (Devin) Welsh, Timothy (Charlotte) Edwards, Angela (Cody) Golder, Myriah Edwards, Amanda (Sam) Edwards, Evan (Aleah) Dvorak; and many great-grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife Gloria; daughter, Denise Edwards; parents, Charles and Myrtle Edwards; siblings, Lendall, Charles, and James Edwards; father- and mother-in-law, James and Opal Curtin; brothers-in-law, Dennis and Roger Curtin, and John Huneke; sisters-in-law, Doris, Gloria and Evelyn Edwards, Virginia, Wilma and Betty Curtin; and great-granddaughter, Alexis De La Cruz.