John Travis Edwards

JOHN TRAVIS EDWARDS, prominent Oklahoma City attorney, who was instrumental in advocating for a number of now- recognized theories of law in Oklahoma, died Sunday at his home in Oklahoma City. He was 85.

Mr. Edwards was born February 22, 1927 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to Mabel Rogers Leahy Edwards and Richard Travis Edwards. He was a member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma. After graduation from Pawhuska High School, “Trav” attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In his senior year, he began the study of law, graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Law in 1951, and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar that year. He practiced law in Oklahoma City with Sam Gill and Harold Land for approximately eight years before joining the firm of Monnet, Hayes, Bullis, Grubb & Thompson, now Monnet, Hayes, Bullis, Thompson & Edwards. He served as senior partner of the firm from the mid 1980’s until his retirement in 2011.

Mr. Edwards was a trial lawyer who practiced in the Oklahoma Courts for over sixty years. He worked with many other longstanding attorneys during his career and mentored a number of young lawyers. His philosophy on litigation focused on well-reasoned advocacy and honest counsel, civility and respect. He helped develop Oklahoma law in many areas, most notably the fiduciary duty owed to mineral owners by oil and gas well operators and the tort of abusing court process. He represented clients on both plaintiff and defense sides, and maintained many professional and personal relationships that began through his practice. His skill as a courtroom attorney led to his induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers, a national association of trial masters.

Mr. Edwards was a member of the American, Oklahoma and Oklahoma County Bar Associations, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a fellow of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and a founding member and former President of the Robert J. Turner American Inn of Court. He was admitted to practice in the Federal Courts in Oklahoma, the Eastern District of Arkansas, and before the United States Supreme Court and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and on the Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Committee of 100 and served on the Board of Directors and as President of The Beacon Club. He was a member of Quail Creek Golf and Country Club and a longtime member and supporter of the Oklahoma Zoological Society.

Mr. Edwards possessed a keen wit and a sharp mind, which allowed him to bring “a little levity” to many situations. He never mastered the game of golf, but played most weekends for years and did manage two holes-in-one. He enjoyed music and cinema, particularly westerns, liked sports cars and sporting events, was an excellent barbeque cook, and avid University of Oklahoma football and women’s basketball fan. He liked to travel, and fished annually with friends at his camp on Rainy Lake, Canada. He played bridge throughout his entire adult life, beginning play in college with fraternity brothers and continuing with colleagues at tournaments. Daylong Saturday sessions at his residence always included one of his unique meats. Later, he maintained his game through on-line bridge, which he played every day until just before his death. His second place finish in an online tournament held April 13, 2012 is a testament to his dedication to the game. He was a Bronze Life Master.

Mr. Edwards maintained close life-long relationships and had many friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Janet, and his daughters Shannon Edwards of Edmond, OK and Holly Edwards of St. Petersburg, Florida. He is preceded in death by his sister, Sybil Ann (Sister Maria) Edwards and his parents. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Oklahoma Zoological Society, Bizelle Library Society, Oklahoma College of Law or the Osage Nation Foundation.