Jess Alan Edwards, 96, of Smithville, MO passed away, July 26, 2022.

He was born on October 1, 1925 to Clarence and Mary (Cockriel) Edwards in Platte County, MO. Jess graduated from Smithville High School.

On November 11, 1945 he was united in marriage to Martha Howard. After their marriage they lived in Edgerton where they farmed and made their home. His wife, Martha, passed away, March 18, 2020. Jess farmed from the time he was a young man with his grandfather and his sons for awhile and then retired at 80. First with horses and then tractors.

Jess was a member of the Little Platte Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church in Smithville where he was a Deacon and the Treasurer. He served on the Board at the Bank of Edgerton/US Bank and the United Coop for many years. Jess enjoyed tractor pulling, motorcycle riding, traveling to the mountains, but enjoyed farming most of all.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse and Myrta Edwards, his parents, Clarence and Mary Edwards; and his sons, William “Billy” Edwards and David Edwards. 

Jess is survived by his son, Leslie (Barbara) Edwards; grandchildren, Tanya (Shane) Faherty, Aaron Edwards, Rick Edwards, Jennifer (Brad) Wade, Jessica (Jerad) Foster, Jon (Evie) Edwards and Joe Edwards; great-grandchildren, Seth Faherty, Hannah (Taylor) Duncan, Jessie Edwards, Mirah and Pierce Wade, Lincoln and Nora Foster, Noah and Margaret Edwards; great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn Duncan; sisters-in-law, Patty (Gus) Baker and Marilyn (Ernest) Mosby; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services: 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 29th at the First Baptist Church in Smithville with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial: Ridgely Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church.

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.