Joseph "Joe" Leon Edwards

Velma - Graveside services for Mr. Joseph "Joe" Leon Edwards, 61 of Velma are scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday, August 24, 2020 at Tussy Cemetery. The family has asked everyone in attendance at the service to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Also, anyone who has tested positive for COVID or has been exposed to COVID in the last 14 days are requested not to attend. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Velma Chapel.

Joe was born on Nov. 24, 1958 in Duncan to Mr. Leon Edwards and Mrs. Betty Jane (Moore) Edwards. He departed this life on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

Joe was raised at Tussy and initially attended school at Doyle before transferring to Velma- Alma where he graduated in 1977. He married the love of his life, the former Ms. Valerie Stepp, on July 18, 1981 in Healdton.

Joe worked in construction for several years before teaching vocational carpentry at Ringling Public Schools from 1980 to 1985. He believed in education and received his Bachelor's Degree from UCO and had also worked on his Masters Degree. After his teaching career, Joe was employed at Stogsdill Oil Company before he opened his own business, E&S Oil Company of Velma. Today his company consists of a convenience store and feed store and also serves as the area fuel distributor.

Most of all, Joe loved the agricultural life and being out on his land. He enjoyed farming and ranching - the farm is where Joe found peace in his day to day life. Joe adored his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation and was also a member of the Assumption Catholic Church in Duncan.

His father, Mr. Leon Edwards preceded him in death on June 12, 2018.

He is survived by his wife Valerie of the home; daughter, Amanda Edwards of the home; sons, Stephen Edwards and wife Crystal of Pawhuska and Jacob Edwards and wife Kristen of Velma; mother, Betty Edwards of Tussy; sister, Mary Wade of Bethel; brothers, Leo Edwards and wife Heather of Montgomery, TX and John Edwards and wife Leah of Lindsay; granddaughters, Zellee Edwards and Emory Edwards; grandsons, Tynan Justice, Lane Edwards and Bryce Edwards; numerous other family members and a host of friends.

Casket bearers Mike Johnston, Brad Lawley, Kelly Burge, Zac Pogue, Lyn Werner and David Allred.

Honorary bearers are the employees of E&S Oil Company of Velma.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Joe Edwards Memorial Scholarship Fund at the 1st National Bank of Velma; PO Box 309 Velma, OK 73491.

Friends and family are welcome to view and sign the register book at Alexander Gray Velma Saturday evening and Sunday from 1pm to 8pm.

Memories and photos may be shared online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org