Donald Maynard Edwards (83) of Platte City, MO, entered Heaven’s gates on December 3, 2018.

Don was born to Emma (Asher) and Willard Lee Edwards in the family home at Kerrville near Platte City, MO, on August 1, 1935. Don was preceded in death by both of his parents in 1996; his grandparents, Betty Jane (Anderson) and Roscoe Edwards, Sr., and Lu (Follett) and Maynard Asher; his special uncles R. C. Edwards, Jr., and James Glen Edwards; his mother-in-law and father-in law Meryl (Whitaker) and David Park Fisher, Sr.; his good friend and brother-in-law David Park Fisher, Jr., and many other dear family members and close friends.

Don was dearly loved by his wife Mary Frances (Fisher) Edwards; daughters Donnis Turner (Greg) and Gayle Hunter (Doug); six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Willard Lee Edwards, Jr.; and sister Eddie Gray.

Don was baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church of Platte City in 1947. He became a member of the First Christian Church of Platte City in 1984. 

Don graduated from Platte City High School in 1953, at which time he enlisted in the United States Army. Don completed basic training at Fort Riley and served in both Korea and Japan. Upon returning from Japan, Don married the love of his life, Mary Frances, on November 20, 1955. Don and Mary were stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, OK, until he received an honorable discharge on November 27, 1956. Don was very patriotic and was especially proud of his service to our country.

Don enjoyed a 38-year career with the Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance Company in the Platte County Farm Bureau office. Don was the first agent to receive the Farm Bureau President’s “Agent of the Year” award, an honor of which he was extremely proud.

After retirement, Don and Mary Frances were Winter Texans for 13 years before deciding to stay home in the cold and snow to be with their families and friends. Don and Mary especially wanted to spend more time enjoying their great-grandchildren who were growing up too quickly.

Don greatly enjoyed riding motorcycles, refinishing furniture, gardening, fishing, camping, and mushroom hunting. Following retirement, Don became a self-taught blacksmith and created intricate, personalized shepherds’ hooks for family and friends. His plant hangers and flag holders are displayed in more than 10 cemeteries in 5 states. Don especially enjoyed placing his shepherds’ hooks at gravesites for other veterans to show his respect and appreciation for their service and sacrifices. 

Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 6th, at First Christian Church, Platte City, MO

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 7th, at the church

Burial: Platte City Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Platte County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund, the First Christian Church, or the Carol Pettis Liver/Lung Transplant Endowment KU Med Center.

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, MO.