Rodney Rod Charles Edwards

Life is where Rod stretched his legs while waiting to be called home. During his walk with us, he modeled kindness, understanding and unconditional love for God, his family, friends and fellow man. His most important example was that of resiliency. We remain convinced that his endurance in the face of overwhelming health challenges was not only due to God’s mercy, but Rod’s faithfulness, positive spirit and enduring hope.

We refuse to say that he succumbed to his battle with two terminal diseases (PSC and cancer), because he fought them with incredible courage and grace. Now that his journey here has concluded, we know that he has found eternal rest at his true home in our Lord’s arms.

Born August 11, 1951 in Buffalo, Rod grew up in Orchard Park, New York where he and his identical twin Rick used to find adventure, riding bikes and sledding with their big brother, Barry. Cousins Susie and Annie would often join them and they remained close throughout their lives. Early entrepreneurs, the brothers developed a strong work ethic by running a large landscaping business in summers and snow shoveling in winters.

An honor student, Rod achieved his BS in Business Administration at Bucknell University in 1973, where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. A natural leader, Rod was President of his Senior Class and the Investment Club. Ever the initiator, he organized Bucknell’s first raft race on the Susquehanna River. That experience came in handy, when he later organized the first Turkey Trot to benefit Equal Ridge Institute in Oklahoma City in 2001.

After graduation, he worked in New York City and the Carolinas for Cannon Mills. A love for learning spurred him to achieve a Masters in Health Administration from Duke University in 1977. During that time, he received a scholarship to study England’s National Health Service, enjoying his time abroad immensely.

Healthcare was Rod’s life calling, so it was natural for him to join a system of hospitals in the northwest, serving as an Administrator of a hospital in Riverton, Wyoming. Recruited to work as Vice President of Operations at Baptist Medical Center, he moved to OKC in 1979. In 1982, he began working for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, then later as Executive Director of the State Residential Assisted Living Association.

Rod’s heart was full of compassion for those who were suffering and particularly the elderly. He joyfully served residents and their families when he worked at various facilities including Manor Care, the Fountains at Canterbury, and Sunbridge Healthcare. One of his favorite jobs was working for Russ at Warr Acres from 2009 until his retirement in 2013. He truly appreciated the opportunity to work alongside some remarkable people like Delbert, Pam, Larry and many others too numerous to mention here. Just know that he was grateful for your talents, patience and dedication.

Rod was an acquaintance of Bill W., the Early Bird Group and will always treasure the dear friends he made there, as well as in the St. Luke’s Men’s Group. All were steadfast. He truly appreciated the visits and calls you made to him during his illness.

In 2001, he married Shannon Warren of Oklahoma City, who survives him. Together, they had fun traveling, especially to Sunset Beach North Carolina where Rod’s ashes will be scattered. He was a dedicated husband who sent roses for every anniversary and was always coming up with thoughtful gestures to make her feel special. Some of their best times were spent gardening together. He had a knack for hospitality and loved hosting guests in their home, especially during the holidays. Nobody could surpass his prize-winning Christmas decorations that included an incredible collection of Santas. His Christmas spirit was extraordinary and one of the things we will always treasure about him.

Rod was the proud father to a remarkable son, Dylan, who married the perfect daughter-in-law, Madison Brock Edwards. Rod delighted in the golf games with his son, cooking out together and playing with his “granddog” Jack. Ashley will always be his“Daddy’s girl” and Rod was thrilled with her initiative, achieving so much already in her young career while showing compassion for others. He was also happy that she is carrying on the tradition of baking Shoo Fly Pie!

Both Ashley and Dylan have matured into intelligent, considerate and hard-working adults. He loved them more than he could possibly express in this short lifetime. Both reside in the OKC area.

Rod’s mother, Carolyn Edwards resides in Dallas. His father, Leonard, passed away in 2003.

Rod is also survived by his fun-loving brothers, identical twin Rick and his wife Deb of Plymouth, MA and his oldest brother Barry and wife Sybil of Dallas, TX. They were a great source of comfort to Rod, ever generous in their love and understanding. He enjoyed keeping up with the great activities of his nieces and nephews, too.

Then, there were those close friends who had such a powerful impact on Rod’s life, especially Lonny, Dennis, Roger, Bob, Bruce, Mark, Phil, David, Steve and many others. Know that he loved and appreciated your steadfast friendship. Thank you for enriching his life.

We would be remiss if we failed to thank the talented doctors who cared for Rod. At the top of this list is Dr. James Tabibian of Mayo Clinic, whose resourcefulness, encouragement and talents helped Rod to survive beyond expectations. We also want to acknowledge Dr. Bryan Geister with Integris oncology who was so attentive and thoughtful in his care of Rod, as well as Dr. Diana Kennedy. A special thanks to the incredibly kind people at Valir Health, especially nurse Valerie, who cared for him so thoughtfully during the final days of his life. In addition, we wish to express appreciation for the talents of Dr. Huff and Dr. Raza as well as nurses Jimmie and Tammy of Integris Baptist Hospital, as well as Regina Smiley RN of Interim Home Health.

Good and wise friends Rev. Linda Brinkworth and Rev. Phil Greenwald will officiate Rod’s memorial service at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church located at 222 N.W. 15th Street beginning at 10 a.m on January 31st. A private wake for family and his closest friends will be held on January 30th. Please join us as we say farewell to a man who was cherished by many during his action-packed walk among us. We know that he arrived home safely in the peace and beauty of the Lord’s presence.

Floral arrangements may be sent to the funeral home located at 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. (Flowers will be given to the church or nursing homes after the service.) Those wishing to make memorial donations can do so to either St. Luke’s United Methodist Church or to Mayo Clinic via their website at https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.