Clarence "CJ" Edwards

Clarence John (CJ) Edwards CJ Edwards, precious child of God, is now Home with Jesus, dancing on streets of gold. He was called Home on Friday, June 2, 2023, surrounded by family and immeasurable, unending love in Perrysburg, Ohio. CJ was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 30, 1956, the first born of 5 children to Clarence and Diana Edwards. He was raised in the North End of Toledo and loved to share stories of his childhood and teenage shenanigans on Elm Street. At the age of 17, he became a father for the first time. He would go on to have 6 children of his own and when he married Heather, he proudly took on the role of father to her 3 children. He was a proud dad and liked to brag that he had 9 children and share different facts about and accomplishments of each of them. He taught his children valuable lessons about life and shared unique relationships with each. He tried to be the best dad that he could be in the way that he thought each of them needed or wanted. He apologized when wrong and he forgave when wronged. He modeled strength and determination and was always open and honest about his life choices, consequences and changes. He didn’t judge and taught that mistakes are not who you are but lessons to be learned. He shared and tried to pass down his love of God, music, family, camping, fishing, bowling, chili dogs, Jo-Jo's pizza, flea markets, a good deal, old western movies, a great sense of humor and laughter with us all. Unfortunately, not all of us inherited his great ability to play the guitar, but we each have one in our homes. He never thought he did enough to live up to his idea of what a good father should be, but his kids sure thought he was amazing. He and Heather have been married for 17 years and have enjoyed many fun adventures together. They shared a strong faith in God and a love for family and their church community. CJ loved his church family and the people he met through weekend retreats, bible studies and events he attended through the years. He was always willing to share his story to help someone else going through a situation they felt hopeless in. He wanted to be an example of a life changed for the better. People could come to him, and he would listen without judgement and show that they are not alone in whatever they are experiencing. He touched many lives and inspired more people than he believed. He was humble and never realized just how special he was. For work he did everything from delivering pizzas for Mickey at his favorite Jo-Jo's pizza, over the road truck driver, dispatcher, semi-truck fleet owner, school bus driver, and finally his dream job of being a custom cigar box guitar creator and owner of Bad Kat Guitars. I do believe his favorite job of all was being the ice cream man. He did it first, over 40 years ago and then a few years back he purchased his own ice cream truck. He got so much joy from that ice cream truck and bringing smiles to people’s faces. His passing will leave a hole in the hearts and lives of everyone he touched.

   He was preceded in death to be greeted in Heaven by his daughter, Theresa Krieg; parents, Clarence & Diana Edwards; grandparents, Ray & Alma Alt and James & Irene Edwards; special uncle, Del Alt; grandmother-in-law Marcia Marlett; and other family members and friends. He has left to cherish his memory, his wife, Heather; children, Chrissy (Scott) Palmer, Kim (Scott) Pusey, John (Brighton) Edwards; Joshua (Crystal) Edwards, Shanna Prieto, Tommy Bentson, Billy and Breezy Fletcher; Grandchildren, Tracci (Jessica) King, Brittany Goldsmith, Alyssa (Michael) Scotch, Christian and Justin Krieg, Gracie and Lillie Kohel, Athena Prieto, Harper, Johnny, Bodhi, Arlo and Twila Edwards; Great-Grandchildren, Brielle and Bailee Scotch; Brother, Bob (Maria) Edwards, Sisters, Judy (Al) Szczublewski, Sandy (Bob) Sutter, Laura (Max) Bickley; Mother and Father-in-Law, Marcia & Bob Hord; Brother-in-Law, JR (Ashley) Holbert ; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

   We would like to thank Ohio Living Hospice, his nurse, Carianne, and chaplain, Jewel, for the care and support given to our dad and family. A huge thank you to our aunts and uncles for all they have done to help us through this time. We could not have done it without your love and support. Thank you to all of dad's friends that have given he and Heather support in the last 2 years. Your acts of kindness and prayers for our dad meant the world to him.

   There will be a celebration of life held in Ohio in the fall and a memorial in Green Bay at a future date to be shared. CJ’s wish is to have his ashes planted with strong trees. The family welcomes donations to help cover the final expenses as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers. This can be done directly through American Cremation Events (419-214-1777), or the following link. https://gofund.me/26d2db47

   “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

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