Gary Albin Edwards, one of four sons of Harold and Myrle (Dahl) Edwards, was born March 6, 1935 in Ellendale, North Dakota. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church and attended school in Ellendale, where he graduated from high school. Gary went on to attend North Dakota State after high school.
While in college, Gary joined the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War and the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge he eventually made his home in Nebraska.
On June 7, 1973 Gary was united in marriage to Vickie Pursel in Bellevue, Nebraska. They were blessed with two children, Gerrad and Nikki.
Gary served in several capacities in law enforcement in Nebraska. He began as a road trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol, and later joined the first undercover narcotics team assembled by the Patrol. After his undercover work, he took a break from law enforcement and drove trucks for Leroy Wade and Sons Trucking. Gary returned to law enforcement, and served as Chief of Police in Humboldt and Auburn, Nebraska, retiring as Chief in Auburn in 2000.
Gary had been a member of the Auburn American Legion and the Auburn Eagles Club. He liked to fish, loved Nebraska Football, and was known to enjoy an ?occasional? beer.
After a period of illness and declining health, Gary passed away at his home, with his family around him, on Thursday, May 3, 2012. He had reached the age of 77 years, 1 month, and 27 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Lowell, Harold, and Bruce.
Gary is survived by his wife Vickie of Auburn; son and daughter-in-law Gerrad and Becky Edwards of Sterling; daughter and son-in-law Nikki and Khris Buckner of Elkhart, KS; daughter Gwen Rose of Arizona; grandchildren Logan and Leighton Edwards; Nicholas, Jacob, and Bryce Buckner; Jason Giuliani; Shelby Rose; Kyle Munson; other relatives and many friends.
Memorial services were Tuesday, May 08, 2012 at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Deacon Carol A. Franssen. Honorary bearers were Khris Buckner, Jim Haith, Rik Pursel, Wild Bill Lundstad, and ?The First & The Worst?. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Nebraska National Guard Honors Team.