David Ray Edwards

David Ray Edwards, 69, a resident of Moses Lake since 1953, passed away Monday, May 14, 2012 at Emeritus Hearthstone Inn. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012 at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Road L N.E., Moses Lake. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

David was born on Dec. 5, 1942 in Havre, Montana. He moved to Moses Lake on Jan. 1, 1953 with his parents, Raymond Ellis and Edith Mae Edwards and his younger brother, Douglas from Chinook, Montana. He had a normal childhood and enjoyed hunting and fishing in and around Moses Lake. David attended grade school at Central Elementary where his mother was the head cook. David attended the Moses Lake high school where he took up wrestling. He became the state champion in 1961. At the state wrestling tournament, he was able to pin his opponent in the 2nd round, which was rare.

He taught his younger brother, Doug the ropes in wrestling. David started the wrestling program under Coach Eric Beardsley and then under Coach Gary Fray.

David graduated in 1961. After high school he went on his mission for the Mormon Church serving 2 years in Argentina, Peru, Chili and other South American countries. This is where David learned to speak fluent Spanish. He then went in the military serving in the Army National Guard in the 1161st unit moving to the rank of Major and receiving a purple heart before being honorably discharged in August of 1983.

He met his wife Karen and together they started Edwards Nursery. Karen still has the nursery on Nelson Road in Moses Lake.

David's health went downhill over the years. He lived out his last 10 years at Emeritus Hearthstone Inn. He attended his class reunion last where he was able to visit old classmates including Jerry Wagstaff, Howard Nanto and many others.

David is survived by his brother Douglas (Sidney) Edwards, niece Debbie (David) Black & their 3 children Ashely, Jerid & Colby, aunt & uncle Lois & Dick Zinn, Havre, MT, aunt & uncle Maxine & John Tate, Bellevue, WA and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.