William John Edwards, age 89, of Ainsworth, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 1, 2020 at his residence.

A graveside service and interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020 at Cambrian Cemetery with Craig Grothe officiating. Services will be livestreamed on the Jones & Eden Facebook page. Celebration of life services will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for the Salem Welsh Church and the Cotter Presbyterian Church. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Bill's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Bill was born February 24, 1931 in Washington, Iowa, the son of Evan Lloyd and Mary (Jones) Edwards. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1949. Bill was united in marriage to Helen Richardson on May 20, 1951 at the Salem Welsh Church.

Bill was a life resident of Ainsworth, Cotter and Columbus Junction. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corp. He was a 4-H leader for 25 years and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Bill showed Angus Cattle at the Iowa State Fair and the Livestock Expo in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky and Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events. Bill was a kind and gentle leader and instilled these attributes to everyone around him.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Edwards of Ainsworth, IA; children: William Keith Edwards and wife Janet of Bondurant, IA; Roger Lee Edwards and wife Susie of Columbus Junction, IA; Julie Farrier and husband Ron of Columbus Junction, IA; Joyce Crawford of Washington, IA; Joanne Irene Edwards of Ainsworth, IA; and Robert "Rob" Edwards and wife Jodi of Columbus Junction, IA; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons: Tim Farrier and Bob and Brian Mattocks; granddaughter, Alex Edwards; brother, Elgan Edwards; and infant sister, Mary Alice Edwards.