Obituary

Kenneth Bruce Edwards, Sr.

May 11, 1944 - April 10, 2026

Kenneth Bruce Edwards, Sr., age 81 and a resident of the Hays Creek Community, passed away Friday afternoon April 10, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center following a brief illness. He was a cowboy at heart and a hard-working man all his life. As a young man, Bruce began his career working off-shore for many years and later worked in the steel construction industry for years also. He and his crew helped build the massive Louisiana Superdome and Shell Oil building in New Orleans, an accomplishment he was always proud of. Most recently, he was a truck driver for Burris Feed Mill before retiring. During these years, Bruce and his family also operated a dairy farm. He definitely enjoyed working the fields and plowing the ground on the family property. He was an animal lover that liked to ride horses, having several that he loved through the years and lately he always kept a mule or donkeys out in the fields near his home. Bruce took excellent care of his animals, even making sure they were fed at the same time every day. He had a special place in his heart for his pet dog “Tu-Tu” and he enjoyed watching his favorite western TV show, Gunsmoke and character Marshal Matt Dillon. He cherished all the time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Survived by: Son and Daughter in law: Bruce Edwards, Jr. and Tracie Edwards of Mt. Hermon; Daughter and Son in law: Sonja and Patrick Simmons of the Sheridan Community; Grandchildren and Spouses: Korey and Amber Edwards, Cody and Ashley Simmons, Brandon and Alyssa Simmons, Kevin and Caitlin Simmons; Great-grandchildren: Brantley Mack Edwards, Sawyer Beau Edwards, Talen Simmons, Bryce Slaughter, Ashton Slaughter, Julian Simmons, Sadie Simmons, Jayden Simmons, Emery Simmons, Liam Simmons; Sister and Brother in law: Pattie and Mickey King; Sisters in law and Brothers in law: Betty Edwards, Glenda Edwards, Saralyn Spears, Frank O’Brien; Also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Violonia “Loni” Spears Edwards, parents John Edwards, Sr. and Ruby Lee Edwards, brothers Butch Edwards, Rusty Edwards, father in law and mother in law T.C. and Ida Mae Spears, brother in law D.C. Spears, brother in law and sister in law Earl and Phala Spears, sister in law Jeanie O’Brien and other family members.

Visitation will be at Hays Creek Southern Baptist Church (29043 W. Hayes Creek Road, Franklinton) on Tuesday April 14th from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm Tuesday with Rev. Ronnie Chaisson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers: Korey Edwards, Mack Edwards, Cody Simmons, Brandon Simmons, Kevin Simmons, Mike Spears

Honorary Pallbearers are Mickey King and his beloved great-grandchildren