David L. Edwards was born January 20, 1947, in Jackson, MI. And so began the story of an amazing man who touched countless lives. Despite facing significant obstacles as a child, he went on to live a life totally and completely dedicated to the Lord and to sharing the message of the gospel. He gained his heavenly reward on April 11, 2021.
As a teenager and young man, Dave was part of the Dave, Bob and Mark Trio and traveled with the Billy Walker Evangelistic Association doing youth rallies and concerts. In addition to sharing the gospel, these events were an integral part of building attendance and support for Hiawatha Youth Camp in Eckerman, MI. In addition to all of his ministry commitments, Dave attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, Detroit Bible College and Eastern Michigan University.
On May 22, 1971, Dave married Irma Toney in Allen Park, MI. The Toney family had a rich gospel music history, and together Dave and Irma’s love for the Lord, music and ministry would create the rich legacy that he leaves behind today. In May of 1974 they welcomed their baby girl Elizabeth, and in February 1977 their son David. Dave’s children were his pride and joy, and though he was a humble man, he loved to brag on their talents and accomplishments.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Irma Toney Edwards, daughter Liz Edwards McMillan (Jimmy); son David Edwards (Ashley); seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Genuine, Armani, Rannia and Declan McMillan, and Kolton and Kai Edwards; sister Terri Edwards Tappan (Roy), and mother-in-law Betty Toney. He was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Doris Edwards, brother Larry Edwards, father-in-law Alden Toney, and granddaughter Ashli McMillan Doolin.
In 1980, Dave and Irma moved their family to Clearwater, FL where he took a position as senior adults minister at Trinity Baptist Church where among other duties he led the “Super Sixties.” This ministry grew to a weekly attendance of over sixteen hundred and hosted many of the top names in gospel music as well as high profile speakers including First Lady Barbara Bush.
Dave’s next vision for ministry was a program that would focus on reaching the hardest of demographics, unsaved senior adults, or as he was always careful to say, “active retirees.” And so was born “The Breakfast Club.” The programs would be held in public venues and community centers rather than churches so as to make everyone feel welcome. They would now embrace a variety of acts including gospel, comedy, country and much more. In addition, there would be day trips, cruises, international tours and more. The weekly programs in Clearwater, Bradenton and Lakeland grew to a combined attendance of over three thousand and continued for 25 years.
In all of this, Dave never lost sight of the purpose of this ministry, and he found the right point in every activity to share the gospel of Christ. For years he kept track of the decision cards, phone calls and emails from people who had accepted Christ through a Breakfast Club event, but at some point he lost count. The last number was well over four thousand simply with the Breakfast Club. Dave’s over all evangelistic legacy holds more decisions for Christ than we will ever know this side of heaven.
“A true heart for ministry,” “real class act,” “man of his word” and “pioneer” are just a few of the words that have been used to describe Dave Edwards. Over the years he heard all of these and more said to or about him. But in the end, the words that meant the most to him were “wonderful husband,” “amazing daddy,” and most of all “well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Memorial contributions may be made to
The Dave Edwards Memorial Camper Scholarship Fund
Gifts will help provide camp fee assistance for deserving and or underprivileged youth
and are tax deductible.
To contribute online visit www.hiawathayouthcamp.com and follow donation prompts
Checks should be made out to
Hiawatha Youth Camp (please write DEMCSF on memo line)
PO Box 1456 Southgate, MI 48195
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