Tim O. Edwards

Tim O. Edwards, 94, of Topeka passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.   He was born October 16, 1922 at Goodland, Kansas the son of William J. and Sarah Ann F. Edwards.  He served his country in the United States Naval Air Corps where he was an instrument flight instructor during World War II.   Mr. Edwards was a Traffic Safety Specialist with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He retired with the rank of Major after serving 27 years. Tim began his career with the State Highway Patrol on August 25, 1948. He was first Stationed in Colby. On June 1, 1949, he transferred from Colby to Phillipsburg. He moved to Atwood in 1953.   And served as the Safety Trooper in the area. In August of 1960, he transferred to Wakeeney.   Tim was promoted to Lieutenant in May of 1963, and transferred to the Topeka Division I office. In January of 1966, he began serving as Lieutenant of the Division of Services at the Patrol’s Headquarters in Topeka. On June 1, 1969, Tim was promoted to Captain in the field of Safety Education and Training. In 1974, Tim was promoted, again to Major.

In his time in the Highway Patrol, Tim was instrumental in establishing the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy, eventually getting the Patrol’s training facility moved to the former Schilling Air Force Base in Salina in 1965.   He served as a advisor, then President for the American Legion Boys State.   He was also instrumental in the founding of the national Uniformed Safety Officer Inc. (USEOW) organization.

On February 17, 1975 after serving the state and citizens of Kansas for 27 years, Major Tim Edwards retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Tim later retired from the Kansas Department of Transportation in 1988 where he had been Traffic Safety Specialist. Mr. Edwards was an instructor for AARP in the 55 Alive program for over 20 years until the age of 92.

Tim was married to Marthetta (Marty) M. Minor on October 15, 1944 at Goodland, Kansas. They were blessed to share 72 ½ years before his passing.

Tim and Marty had attended Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church and were current members at First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Marty Edwards of Topeka; sons, Timothy M. Edwards (Carolyn), Bill Edwards (Nancy), Gene Edwards (Debbie Jean) all of Topeka, George Edwards (Mary) of Leawood, Kansas and Sid Edwards (Debbie Ann) of Buckeye, Arizona; ten grandchildren, Cindy, Matthew, Sarah, Whitney, Stacy, Tasha, Laine, Ian, Cole, Will; and six great-grandchildren, Laila, Calvin, Lucas, Bree, Luke and James and a great-grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother George Edwards; and his sister, Lois Denton.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd., on Friday, May 26 ^th at 10:00 am. The family will greet friends beginning at 9:00 am Friday prior to the service. Mr. Edwards will lie in state from 1-6 on Thursday at Davidson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Helping Hands Humane Society or the Topeka Rescue Mission.