Alfred Edwards' Obituary
Alfred D."Sonny" Edwards, 82, of Longview, Texas passed away on April 12, 2025 listening to his favorite music and surrounded by family. He was born November 25, 1942 in his grandmother 's home in Saratoga, Texas. The son of a Coast Guardsman, Sonny and his family moved often, and he loved to talk about his time spent in The Big Thicket of southeast Texas, Ketchikan, Alaska, and Galveston, Texas. On February 29, 1964, he married his Galveston sweetheart Charlotte Loesch. They remained in the area where he worked in a meat packing plant, delivered seafood, read light meters, and eventually started his career at Continental Can Company. In 1978 he transferred with the company to Longview, Texas and remained there until his retirement in 1991.
He is preceded in death by his wife Charlotte, his parents Darrell and Betty Louise Edwards, and sister Edith Lawson. He is survived by his son Darrell (Dena) of Longview; daughter Michelle York (Randy) of Hallsville; his five grandsons Darrell Edwards, Trace Rossow, Jonathan York (Krysta), Jacob York (Makenzie), and Matthew York (Bailey); and great -grandson Lincoln York; brother Charlie Edwards, sister Nora Edwards; and several nieces and nephews.
Sonny will be remembered for his kind, giving heart and his God given abilities in music and art. He was an incredibly talented musician and could play virtually any song by ear. With Charlotte always by his side, he traveled around performing in many bands. Even with his memory loss, he always had a guitar and harmonica nearby to entertain those around him. Sonny was also an accomplished woodcarver and a member of the East Texas Woodcarvers Guild. He sold his carvings at Canton Trades Days for several years, and his old world Santas given to family and friends will be treasured for years to come. Sonny and Charlotte made lifelong friends while camping and traveling to bluegrass festivals, woodcarving shows, and monthly "jams" in the area.
Sonny was most recently a resident at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living in Longview. He enjoyed riding around on his scooter, talking to others, sharing his Tic-Tacs, and playing bingo. He was also known to join in with the musicians who came to entertain the residents.
Sonny's family would like to thank the staff at Hawkins Creek for their kindness and loving care for Sonny. They would also like to thank Corinna, Josh, and Dr Holder with Heartsway Hospice for their compassionate care these last few months. To Ann Stone, words cannot describe the gratitude felt for 11 years of loving companionship Sonny had with his best "buddy."
A funeral service will be held at Longview Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday April 17, 2025 with visitation beginning at 10 am followed by the service at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heartsway Hospice in Longview, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Alfred?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alfred?
Share a story where Alfred's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alfred you’ll never forget.
How did Alfred make you smile?
