Wellman Dewain Edwards

Wellman Dewain Edwards, son of Clifford and Molly (Birchfield) Edwards, was born on April 17, 1938, in Birch Tree, Missouri, and departed this life on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was at the time of his passing 84 years, six months, and 29 days of age. Wellman spent his childhood growing-up in the Monett/Aurora, Missouri area. At the age of 18 years-old he would enlist into the United States Army. He would faithfully serve his country for three years as a paratrooper in the 101st Screaming Eagles. After his time in the service, he started a 42-year career at the MFA Milling center. Upon retirement from MFA, he would then work five years at Silver Dollar City. Wellman was married to his first wife, Ilene Bowling, in September of 1957 and to this union were five children. They were married for 38 years until her passing on June 25, 1996. He later remarried to Vonda McClain on July 4, 2015 and spent seven wonderful years together. Wellman enjoyed several hobbies, which included attending dirt track races, hunting, gardening, and mowing his grass. Although he enjoyed all of these, his favorite was fishing. He loved fishing and would fish with anyone who would sit with him. He was also a faithful member to his church. He would greet everyone as they entered and give hugs to all that passed by. He would also use his token nickname, “Hun,” for everyone. Wellman lived out his faith in Christ well, and now that faith has become sight. Wellman was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ilene Edwards; and his best friend and pastor, Bobbie Dean Davidson. He is survived by his wife, Vonda Edwards; five children, Darrel Edwards & wife Marta, Montie Edwards, Waunetta Hutton, Janece Phillips & husband Jon, and Sharon Burke & husband Royce; two step-sons, Tom Dalaviras and John Dalaviras; one brother, Jerry Ford & wife Shirley; nine grandchildren, Jared, DJ, Avery, Aiyana, Connor, Dalton, Thomas, Abby, Callie, Cheyenne, and Shelby; eleven great-grandchildren, Shelby, Gunner, Luke, Macy, Justine, Ranger, Dawson, Gabby, Bryce, Clayton, and Korbyn; and he was PaPa to a big host of children. Wellman was a faithful husband, loving dad, and amazing PaPa. He is loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Services for Wellman will be held at The Chief Cornerstone Church in Buffalo, Missouri on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. with Pastors Chris Paul, Royce Burke, and Orvil Haynes officiating. Visitation will be from 12 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Maple Lawn Cemetery.

Wellman Dewain Edwards

April 17, 1938 - November 15, 2022