Robert \"Bob\" Edwards passed away at his home on February 5, 2021, at the age of 73. A fighter to the very end, he successfully persevered through a series of medical issues for nearly 25 years. He remained a pillar of strength and optimism throughout this life. In his final days, he was surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born in Shreveport, LA, Robert met his wife, Cynthia, while attending Northeast Louisiana State University in Monroe in 1967. For Robert, it was love at first sight. He quickly decided to propose after they started dating. She insisted on graduating from college first. They married just ten days after her college graduation. On January 30, 2021, they celebrated their Golden 50th Wedding Anniversary.
A world-class cook, Robert was always ready to entertain in their home. It became a regular gathering place for family and friends. When not boiling crawfish, making gumbo, or hosting a cochon de lait, he could be found in one of his duck blinds located on one of his sanctuaries, Caddo Lake. There are many stories about these early morning adventures by those lucky enough to accompany him. The weekends also spent at \"Little Saline,\" a fishing camp in East Texas, are among his fondest memories. The times spent there with his sons and close friends are always referred to with reverence. His love for Wyoming and Colorado\'s mountains and rivers were very much a part of the man he was. Pack trips into the Grand Tetons and fly fishing in mountain streams brought him great joy. He always said that he felt closest to God when in nature.
Together Robert and Cynthia raised four children in whom they instilled a strong sense of family and a fiery spirit to match their red hair and towering statures. In addition to his \"bride,\" Cynthia, left to honor \"Dad\'s\" memory are their children: Kyle Edwards (Jennifer) of Houston, TX; Jill Hoffman (Andrew) of Alexandria, VA; Ryan Edwards of Slidell, LA; and Adam Edwards of Belcher, LA. Also left to honor \"Papa\'s\" memory are his grandsons: Landin Edwards, Benjamin Hoffman, Hudson Edwards, and Fisher Edwards. He is also survived by his sister, Lynda Waguespack (Hubert) of Baton Rouge, LA, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and treasured cousins scattered throughout the South. He is preceded in death by his father, Roy Charles Edwards, and mother, Idelle Rucker Edwards. Cynthia's parents Percy and Rita Methvin loved him as their own and preceded him in death.
Following COVID-19 guidelines, masks and social distancing will be followed for the Visitation and Funeral Liturgy planned for Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Shreveport, LA. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Liturgy beginning at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Father Charles Glorioso and Deacon Jeff Chapman. Inurnment of ashes will be at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, LA.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. David Hudson of Northwood Family Medicine in Shreveport, LA, Drs James Smith and Scott Wiggins of Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists in Shreveport, Dr. David Scott of Oschner\'s in Shreveport, and the excellent team of doctors led by Dr. Gerald Lawrie at Houston Methodist Hospital. A special thanks are given to Brenda Maricelli and Janie Cherry for the love and care given to Robert and Cynthia throughout the summer and fall of 2020. And to Amedisys Hospice of Shreveport for their excellent care for the last two weeks of Robert\'s life. And finally, to the many family members and dear friends who have provided critical assistance throughout this long health journey. We thank and love you. You know who you are.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Caddo Lake Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Caddo Lake.[embed]https://caddolakeinstitute.org/make-a-donation[/embed].
When you have a moment to spare, please listen to one of the two songs to honor his memory. \"My Way\" by Frank Sinatra and the ballad, \"Go Rest High on that Mountain\" by Vince Gill.
Robert has gone to rest high on that mountain with his fly rod. He has probably already found the best fishing stream in heaven. Son, your earthly work is done.
For the family and friends who can not be with us, we invite you to join ZOOM live stream on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. CST. Click on the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82457269044?pwd=MGxoQWZaRVBXTGtNTzFoS1djQXNKUT09