Robert Melvin Edwards

Robert Melvin “Mel” Edwards, 83, died on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at his home in Libby.

He was born Jan. 16, 1926 at Bonners Ferry, Idaho to John and Julia (Owen) Edwards. He grew up and attended school in Libby. His family traveled around the Northwest and California, wherever work would take them.

He served in the Seabees during World War II. He married Georgiana Erhard on Dec. 29, 1948 in Libby. In 1959, the family moved to a ranch on Bobtail Creek. Over the years he enjoyed the challenge of being a farmer and rancher.

Mr. Edwards worked in the woods from age 25 until age 62, and retired in 1988. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed going on trips, and visiting friends and relatives. He also enjoyed fishing, marriage, gardening and his grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgiana, on March 18, 2003 and three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his three sons, Randy Edwards and Cindy Welch of Libby; Rob Edwards and wife Virginia of Calgary, Alberta; Gary Edwards and wife Anna of Selah, Wash.; two daughters, Jennifer Tenney and husband Garth of White Swan, Wash.; Shannon Edwards-Myslicki and husband Steve of Libby; 15 grandchildren, Randi Leah, Kayla, Jocelyn, Becky, Jessi, Paul, Kaedi, Nick, Matt, Trisha, Martha, Zachery, Cassi, Levi and Ian; and sisters, Vivian, Violet and Iva.

Services will be Monday, May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Libby. Visitation will be Sunday, May 10 from 1-5 p.m. at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.