Edwards, William M. "Bill"

Funeral services for former Mayor William M. 'Bill' Edwards, who died at his home Sunday noon, were incomplete today. The 65 year old onetime ground boss at the Anna Beaver Mine, north of Cardin Oklahoma, had been in ill health for the last eight months. Born in St. Genevieve county Missouri, Edwards moved to Picher Oklahoma in 1927 and worked in the mines many years before he served a two year term as mayor of this lead and zinc mining center beginning in 1945. He served a similar term as justice of the peace immediately following his tenure as the city's chief executive. He ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate two years ago. A member of the Methodist church, Edwards is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie Edwards of the home, 214 South Vantage Street, Picher; a son, Luther Edwards of Miami; three daughters, Mrs. Alma Burk and Mrs. Edna Mae Frouge, both of Picher, and Mrs. Mayme Reeves of Baxter Springs Kansas; four sisters, Mrs. Sarah Bloom and Mrs. Minnie Cunningham, both of Flat River Missouri, and Mrs. Mate Robison and Mrs. Mattie Miller, both of St. Louis; a brother, Leslie Edwards, Flat River, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Roberson-Hunter funeral home is in charge of the body.

Funeral services for William M. "Bill" Edwards, who died Sunday at his home, were conducted at 2 o'clock Wednesday at the Assembly of God church. The Rev. Boyd Tucker officiated assisted by The Rev. Henry Horn. Burial was in the G.A.R. cemetery at Miami, under the direction of the Roberson-Hunter funeral home. Pallbearers were Donald Curlee, D. V. Turley, J. W. Casteel, Walter Curlee, Harold Curlee and Alfred Seat. The body lay in state at his home at 214 South Vantage Street, from 10 o'clock Tuesday morning until the funeral hour. Edwards, 65 years old, had been in ill health the past eight months. He was a member of the Methodist church. Mayor T. D. Wood issued a request, closing business houses for one hour during the services Wednesday, out of respect to the former mayor and city official.