John M. Edwards

John M. Edwards, of Palmer, died on Dec. 20,2015. He came to Alaska “just for the summer” in 1960, when his brother, Dr. B.T. Edwards, was working at Clear Air Force Station as site physician. John joined the Teamsters’ Union and worked in the motor pool at Clear for 25 years, making many lifelong friends.

The day after his first date with Jauna Hall, he invited her and her son, Hal, for a picnic on the Salcha River. Jauna later became his wife of 51 years.

John was born June 7, 1929, in Tucson, Ariz., to Dr. B.B. Edwards and Gladys Nicholson Edwards. He graduated from the University of Arizona, where he was a member of SAE. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951, serving four years, mostly in Germany.

He passed on his love of the outdoors — hunting, camping, backpacking and hiking — to his nephew, children, grandchildren and family friends.

He and Jauna moved to Palmer in 1985, and he attended Mat-Su Community College for many years, taking courses in English, history, German, Latin, winter camping, cabin building and how to pack your llama.

He loved history, especially the U.S. Civil War, and current events. His favorite color was brown and he wore it exclusively. He was gentle and kind, with a sly sense of humor. He loved black labs and Newfoundlands.

He is survived by his wife, Jauna Edwards; children, Hal Hall, Nelta Edwards and Bryant Edwards (Angie); grandchildren, Justin, Olivia and Audrey; great-granddaughter, Teagan; sister, Helen Osborne; nephew, John Osborne (Diana), great-nieces and -nephews, Monika (Scott), Valerie, Aden, Reya and Gwenyth; and his caregivers, Carol, Trina, and Kazi.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother and grandson, H. Troy Hall.

Services will take place at Kehl’s in Palmer, 209 S. Alaska Street, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28. Reception will follow at 660A E. Primrose Circle, in Palmer.