Coy Edwards Remembered
Coy Wilson Edwards passed away Friday, April 10, 2020, at his home in Calvin, Oklahoma at the age of 85.
Coy was born June 17, 1934 in Calvin to John Henry Edwards and Mittie Lucille Nunn Edwards. He graduated from Calvin High School then completed two semesters at East Central University in Ada.
Coy married Esther Sue Smith October 29, 1963 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Calvin First Baptist Church for over 40 years. Coy was a welder and member of Pipeliners Local Union #798 from 1957-2011. He advanced in his career to pipeline superintendent and upon his retirement he started working as a Pipeline Inspector.
Coy served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. After retirement, he focused his efforts to serve and support his community and county of residence. He served 22 years on the school board in Calvin, Oklahoma. Coy was an active member of the Masons. He enjoyed mowing, raising cattle, and attending prayer groups at Camp Wow. “You need a little change in your pocket so you can pay attention” by Coy Edwards.
Coy was included in the book “Men of Achievement in the Pipeline Industry” Volume II copyright, 1993, by Universal News Inc page 104.
“Coy Edwards was born and raised on a farm in Hughes County, Oklahoma, as the oldest of three children of John and Mittie Edwards. After graduating from Calvin High School, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during the Korean War. Being honorable discharged as a machinist mate, second class, Edwards returned to Oklahoma to attend college on the G.I. Bill.
“Edwards began his pipeline career with Hall-Mack in 1956, as a welder helper. Taking advantage of the contractor’s sponsored welding school, he was able to begin welding in 1958. By 1960, he was a double-jointing foreman for Stanley/Bledsoe Corporation on the PG&E line in Washington and Oregon. For the next several years, Edwards spend most of his time in double-joint, working for serval major contractors. During this period of time, he was instrumental in perfecting the television camera used on the I.D. head for small diameter pipe which was patented and later sold to CRC.
“Edwards has worked in 42 states and overseas as a welder for most major contractors. These companies include Williams Brothers, R.H. Fulton, Banister Pipelines America, H.B. Zachry, O.J. Pipelines, H.C. Price, Snelson Companies, Great Plains, Hood Corporation, O.R. Burden and Murphy Brothers, to name a few.
“Since 1967, he has worked as superintendent or assistant superintendent for 14 contractors. In recent years he has also reached back for his hood and gloves and enjoyed a few jobs back on the firing line.
“Edward and his wife, Sue, have two sons, Jerry Don and Steven Ray, and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Amber.
“When not traversing the country, Edwards and Sue faithfully return to their cattle farm just north of the South Canadian river in central Oklahoma where they have raised cattle for many years. Edwards visualizes his retirement on the family farm tending a herd of limousine cattle with time out for fishing and boating to his heart’s content, but not for several years yet!”
Coy was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife Sue of the home; sons Jerry Don Edwards of McAlester, and Steven Ray Edwards and wife Dusty of Wetumka; grandchildren Jennifer Edwards of Fresno, California, Amber Gurley of Wewoka, Hunter Edwards Stigler, Oklahoma, Amie Leader of Wetumka, and Kim Colston of Wetumka; brother Murel Edwards of Holdenville; and sister Wanda Cloud of Pampa, Texas. Coy is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends.
A private family service will be officiated by Brother Curtis Stoll assisted by Brother Walter Kuhlman. Interment will be at Calvin Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Robert Peel, Earl Peel Jr., Hunter Edwards, Luke Kuhlman, tommy Clay and David Gurley. Honorary pallbearers are Danny Peel Sr., Jerry Edwards, J.W. Fitzgerald, Jerry Martin, Les Brooks, and Brent Simonds.
Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home in Holdenville, Oklahoma.