Obit:
Father, husband and retired nursing home administrator Rod Edwards has gone home. During his time with us, he modeled kindness, understanding and unconditional love for God, his family, friends and people in general. His most important life example was that of resiliency. We remain convinced that his endurance in the face of overwhelming health challenges was not only due to God's mercy, but Rod's faithfulness, positive spirit and enduring hope. We refuse to say that he succumbed to his battle with two terminal diseases (PSC and cancer), because he fought them with incredible courage and grace. Now that his struggle is finished, we know that the Lord has welcomed him into heaven with a warm embrace.

Born August 11, 1951, in Buffalo, Rod grew up in Orchard Park, New York, where he and his identical twin, Rick, used to find adventure, riding bikes and sledding with their big brother, Barry. They were often joined by cousins, Susie and Annie. An honor student, Rod achieved his BS in business administration at Bucknell University in 1973, where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. A natural leader, Rod was President of his Senior Class and the Investment Club. Ever the initiator, he organized Bucknell's first raft race on the Susquehanna River. That experience came in handy when he later organized the first Turkey Trot in 2001, a marathon race to benefit Equal Ridge Institute in Oklahoma City.

After graduation, Rod worked in New York City and the Carolinas for Cannon Mills. A love for learning spurred him to achieve a master's in health administration from Duke University in 1977. During that time, he received a scholarship to study England's National Health Service, enjoying his time abroad immensely. Healthcare was Rod's life calling, so it was natural for him to join a system of hospitals in the northwest, serving as an Administrator of a hospital in Riverton, Wyoming.

Recruited to work as Vice President of Operations at Baptist Medical Center, he moved to OKC in 1979. In 1982, he began working for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, then later as Executive Director of the State Residential Assisted Living Association. Rod's heart was full of compassion for those who were suffering and particularly, the elderly. He joyfully served residents and their families when he worked at various facilities, including Manor Care, the Fountains at Canterbury, Sunbridge Healthcare and Warr Acres.

In 2001, he married Shannon Warren, of Oklahoma City, who survives him. Together, they had fun traveling, especially to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, where Rod's ashes will be scattered. He was a dedicated husband, who made countless thoughtful gestures to show her that she was special. Together, they spent time gardening and entertaining. Rod had a knack for hospitality and loved hosting guests in their home, especially during the holidays. Nobody could surpass his prize-winning Christmas decorations that included an incredible collection of Santas. His Christmas spirit was extraordinary, contagious and one of the things we will always treasure about him.

Rod was the proud father to an incredible son, Dylan, who married the perfect daughter-in-law, Madison Brock Edwards. Rod delighted in golf games with his son, cooking out together and playing with his "granddog," Jack. Daughter Ashley will always be his "Daddy's girl," and Rod was thrilled with her initiative, achieving so much already in her young career while showing compassion for others. He was also happy that she is carrying on the tradition of baking Shoo Fly Pie! Both reside in the OKC area.

Rod was an acquaintance of Bill W., the Early Bird Group, and will always treasure the dear friends he made there as well as in the St. Luke's Men's Group. Many thanks to them for their support as well as the doctors at Mayo Clinic, in particular, Dr. James Tabibian. A special place in our hearts is reserved for the caring staff of Valir Hospice, Dr. Bryan Geister and Dr. Diana Kennedy, who helped Rod through his final days.

Rod's mother, Carolyn Edwards, resides in Dallas. His father, Leonard, passed away in 2003. Rod is also survived by his fun-loving brothers, identical twin, Rick Edwards and his wife Deb, of Plymouth, MA; and his oldest brother, Barry Edwards and wife Sybil, of Dallas, TX. They were a great source of comfort to Rod, ever generous in their love and understanding. He enjoyed keeping up with the grand adventures of his nieces and nephews, too.

Friends, the Rev. Linda Brinkworth and the Rev. Phil Greenwald, will officiate Rod's Memorial Service at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, located at 222 N.W. 15th Street, beginning at 10 a.m. on January 31. A private wake for family and closest friends will be held on January 30. Please join us as we say farewell to a man who was cherished by many during his action-packed walk among us. We know that he has arrived home, into the peace and beauty of the Lord's presence.

Floral arrangements may be sent to the funeral home, located at 6600 Broadway Extension (Flowers will be donated to the church or nursing homes after the service.). Those wishing to make memorial donations can do so to either St. Luke's United Methodist Church or to Mayo Clinic via their website (https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org).

Published in The Oklahoman on Jan. 25, 2015