Paul Edwards, 79, a lifelong Baker City resident, died Oct. 25, 2002, at his home.
His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Calvary Baptist Church, 2107 Third St. Pastor Ed Niswender will officiate.
Paul was born on Oct. 9, 1923, to Charles and Zella Van de Vanter Edwards at Baker City. He joined the U.S. Navy on Feb. 18, 1941, at the age of 17. He served his country through Nov. 24, 1945, during World War II. He served on the USS Anderson, a destroyer. Paul lacked 80 miles of having traveled around the world and was involved in most of the battles in the Pacific.
On April 6, 1947, he married Nellie Ann Perkins in Baker City. He spent most of his working years for Baker School District. He retired as maintenance supervisor in 1980.
He also served on the Baker Volunteer Fire Department and was Firefighter of the Year in 1975. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycling, four-wheeling, cutting wood with family and friends.
He was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church. Paul didn’t know a stranger and enjoyed being with people.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Nellie Ann, of Baker City; a son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Ruth Edwards of Lakeview; daughter and son-in-law, Pauline and Danny Evans of Baker City; grandchildren, Sarah, and her husband, Shawn Layng of Oakville, Wash., Justin Edwards of Vancouver, Wash., Wade Evans and his wife, Karen of Pilot Rock, Curt Evans of Dale, Tanya Dennis of Salt Lake City, and Leslie Morris and her husband, Jason, stationed with the U.S. Navy in Spain; great-granddaughters, Kaitelyn Evans and Ally Morris; sister, June Rode of Baker City; brother and sister-in-law, Ivan and Elsie Edwards of Sherwood; sister-in-law, Zena Edwards of Baker City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Peg Perkins of Baker City; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Zella and Charles Edwards; a brother, Leonard Edwards; and brother-in-law, Biz Rode.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Calvary Baptist Church through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, November 1, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor