Derald Edwards

Reverend Dr. Derald Henry Edwards died on October 12, 2023 after a valiant 18-month fight with pancreatic cancer. A visitation will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel, 123 Columbia Avenue, Chapin, SC 29036, from 4:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, October 15th, 2023. A celebration of life for Pastor Edwards will be held on Monday, October 16th at 2:00 pm at New Hope Lutheran Church, 1725 Old Tamah Rd., Irmo, SC, 29063, conducted by The Reverend Carsten Judd Ludder. The burial will immediately follow the service at his home church, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 11733 Broad River Rd., Chapin, SC.

Pastor Edwards was the son of the late Henry Duane and Irma Eargle Edwards of Chapin. He was the grandson of the late Herbert B. “Hub” and Mary Fulmer Eargle and the late Joseph Claude and Ethel Lee Brown Edwards.

A 1972 graduate of Chapin High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. Upon being ordained in 1983, he served as the pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC, Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, Saluda, SC, Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC, Living Springs Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC, Pomaria Lutheran Church, Pomaria, SC, St. John Lutheran Church, Pomaria, SC, and New Hope Lutheran Church, Irmo, SC. Under special call, he served as the Healthcare Care Administrator of the Rice Home and the Heritage at Lowman Home, both continuing care communities of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina. In addition, he served as the chaplain at the Heritage at Lowman.

Dr. Edwards authored two books: The Baby Boomer Challenge: Americas Searching Generation and Being Lutheran Today: A Layperson’s Guide to our History, Belief and Practice (co-authored by The Reverend Carston Judd Ludder).

He loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, camping, old VW’s, cooking, boating, fishing, and spending time with his three grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife and devoted partner of 50 years, Vicky Lindler Edwards of Chapin; his beloved son, Matthew Patrick Edwards (Jessie Dales-Edwards); and his adored grandchildren who were the joy and light of his life – Iris Elizabeth Edwards, Simon Henry Edwards, and Lochlainn Catherine Edwards of Columbia. He is also survived by his twin brother Gerald Duane Edwards (Wanda) of Chapin, his sister Sonja Edwards Carnaggio (Raymond) of Little Mountain, his mother-in-law Cathryn Riddle Lindler of Chapin, sister-in-law Juleen Lindler Stuck (Eddie) of Pomaria, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Herbert “Hub” Julian Lindler.

The family would like to thank the devotion, compassion, and excellent care provided by Lutheran Hospice of SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc. Foundation, 300 Ministry Drive, Irmo, SC 29063 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Edwards family.