Merl "Pappy" Edwards

Services for Merl “Pappy” Edwards will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home-DeKalb with Bro. Keith Lovett officiating. Interment will follow at the Edwards Family Cemetery.

Mr. Edwards, 84, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Rush Foundation Hospital.

Merl was a long-time resident of the Damascus Community where he lived with his wife of 66 years, Jan Edwards. He worked in construction for many years and did a lot of traveling, making many friends in many states. He loved working at his sawmill and his garden and reading his bible. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Edwards; sons, Dale Edwards (Linda) and Scott Edwards (Hollie); daughter, Lori Kynerd (John); grandchildren, Kayla Johnson (John), Shad Edwards (Kim), Ryan Edwards (Lydia), Christopher Edwards (Stella), Kristin Kynerd, Colton Kynerd (Alyssa); many great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; brother, Joe Edwards; sisters, Barbara Anderson and Frankie Haggard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilmer and Mary Ida Edwards; brothers, Earl Edwards, Clifton Edwards, and Dennis Edwards; and nephews, Wesley Edwards and Jason Edwards.

Pallbearers will include Ryan Edwards, Colton Kynerd, Justin Edwards, Shad Edwards, John Johnson, and Garrett Thomas.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bracken, Nurse Practitioner Kim Topping, nurses Katie Upchurch and Nieda, as well as the staff of John Stennis Medical Center and Rush Foundation Hospital.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to service at the funeral home.