Dr. Alvin J. Edwards

Dr. Alvin John Edwards passed away peacefully October 19, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and friends. A celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023 at Kearney First United Methodist Church with Pastor Matt Fowler officiating. The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. The service will also be live-streamed at https://kearneyfirstumc.org/watch-online. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Alvin John and his identical twin Allen James Edwards, were born in Dallas, South Dakota, to James and Martha Edwards on August 13, 1930. The two young men, so much alike they were indistinguishable to everyone but their mother and eldest sister, grew up in that farming community and graduated from Dallas, South Dakota High School with the class of 1949. He attended the University of South Dakota for two years before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He married the love of his life, Carma Edwards, in 1954. He received his DVM from Kansas State University in 1959. In 1962, he opened a general practice in the Sandhills around Ainsworth, Nebraska. In 1969, he built a modern veterinary clinic, an indoor arena and horse training facility, and a bull test facility. Dr. Edwards became known as the “flying Veterinarian '' around the Sandhills as he used his Piper Cub, often accompanied by his faithful dog Gyp, to fly to the far-flung ranches in that area. He even had his hangar and runway adjacent to the clinic. In 1974, Doc returned to Kansas State University and joined the College of Veterinary Medicine clinical faculty. He earned his PhD in Pathology and was promoted to Professor in the Department of Surgery and Medicine in 1988. He published numerous articles, presented papers, and lectured at numerous state, national and international veterinary meetings. He was also responsible for developing a number of educational and training videos. He has been active in many professional groups, including the AVMA, AABP, and is past President of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. In 1995, he was selected Bovine Practitioner of the Year and in 1990, Dr. Edwards retired from the University faculty, Professor Emeritus. Al and his son Tom were the recipients of the 2014 Alumni Recognition Awards. Al’s distinguished career led him to travel worldwide, always with his Carma by his side. After his retirement they continued to travel the world, but this time to satisfy their desire to see and learn. Al was known for his positive and grateful attitude, his ability to turn everything into an adventure, and his devotion to those he loved. He was a devoted husband to Carma, whom he loved with all his heart. He adored their sweet dog, Molly, who went with him everywhere, even laying on his lap as he passed. He was also the doting father of four horse-crazy daughters, and traveled many miles to their horse shows and rodeos over the summers. He is survived by his four daughters: Linda Edwards of Wymore, NE; Marci Bartlett and her husband John of Gothenburg, NE; Janice Powell and her husband Dave of Overland Park, KS; and Genelle Edwards of Wellsville, KS. He is also survived by two sisters, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a host of nieces and nephews, and many, many friends who love him dearly. He will be reunited in Heaven with twin Allen Edwards, wife Carma Edwards, son Dr. Tom Edwards, and his siblings.

Dr. Alvin J. Edwards

August 13, 1930 - October 19, 2023