Richard Hewitt Edwards, 88, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, December 26, 2025, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born on April 10, 1937, in Pella, Iowa, the son of Emmett and Mary Goad Edwards. He graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1955. Following high school Richard served in the United States Army from November 15, 1955, until his honorable discharge and transfer to the Army Reserves on November 14, 1958. Following his discharge he returned to Iowa. He went to work managing gas stations and later worked for Mich Coal. Lastly Richard worked for Mahaska County in the Highway and Engineering Departments for over 38 years. Over course of his career, he took countless hours of training and earned several surveying certificates. Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing. He delighted in spending time with his family and always looked forward to attending his children and grandchildren’s events.
His family includes his two sons, Glen (Janice) Edwards of Minneapolis, Carl (Melinda) Edwards of Oskaloosa; two granddaughters, Brandie (Kevin) Ott, Lisa (Jon) Holmes; ten great grandchildren, Payton, Treyton, Chase, Alivia, Micah, Ayla, Addison, Haylie, Silas, and Riken; a sister-in-law, Linda Edwards of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert Edwards.
Graveside Funeral services with Military Honors will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Reverend Hemsworth officiating. Military honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. The family will be at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 1:40 p.m. when a procession will form for those attending the graveside ceremony. Memorials may be made to MHP Hospice Serenity House
