Bernard Clair "Bernie" Edwards, 83, of Olney, died Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Burgin Manor in Olney.

Mr. Edwards was born November 26, 1927, in Vincennes, Ind., the son of Henry and Irene (Turner) Edwards. He married Jackie (Keller) Edwards on August 17, 1950, in Vincennes, Ind. She survives.

He was a teacher, coach and principal in the East Richland School District. He was a member of Retired Teachers Association, Elks Lodge, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He was an U.S. Army World War II veteran of General Douglas MacArthur's Honor Guard. Bernie's sense of community compelled him to volunteer his services to many causes, including Little League Baseball, Junior Pro Basketball, assistance at the Senior Citizens Center with tax and insurance counsel. He was also a member of Olney City Council and Olney Planning Commission.

Mr. Edwards is survived by his wife, Jackie Edwards, of Olney; daughter, Peggy Copperberg and Jerry, of Monroe, La.; son, Richard Edwards and Peggy, of Plainfield, Ind.; son, Mark Edwards and Judy, of Lexington, Ky.; daughter, Karen Kloess and Ken, of Columbia; son, Greg Edwards and Cris, of Olney; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Irene Edwards, two brothers and two sisters.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)