Michael Edwards, 83, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.
Born on April 22, 1943, Joplin, MO. Mike was the son of Elbert and Irene Edwards. Mike was the youngest of six children, and the last to pass in his family. He was preceded in death, by his parents and his siblings: Verda Gough, Charles, Jerry, Donna Rudolph, and Jimmy.
He graduated from Joplin High School in 1961. He was the only one in his family to further his education by graduating from Rockhurst College in 1968 with a degree in Business Administration. He later received his Master’s in Business Administration, from the University of Missouri in 1972. He put himself through college night school, while working full-time.
Mike worked at Western Electric, Lees Summit approximately 10 years in management. He chose to make a career change and went into insurance sales. Because of his customer service and sales skills, he was salesman of the year for several years, and won many awards and recognitions. To further his career, he studied hard and became a Chartered Financial Planner in 1987 because he loved working with people to help them reach their financial goals. He was with VSR Finances Services, of Overland Park, for 25 years before selling his business and retiring in 2012.
After walking up the aisle, at a Baptist Revival in Joplin, Mike was baptized at the age of 13. Mike never wavered of his faith in Christ, and it guided him through many life situations. He faithfully attended Legacy Christian Church (formerly Johnson County Christian Church) of Overland Park, KS and served on the communion team for 20 years.
Mike serviced the Overland Park community being an active member of the Overland Park Lions Club for 20 years; He also oversaw a singles poetry group at Village Presbyterian Church for 7 years in the early 1990’s. Mike loved writing poetry and encouraged many others to write poetry; He believed it was therapeutic and that it helped many members heal from the trials that this life holds.
Tennis was Mike’s passion for over 45 years; He was extremely competitive and played to win. He excelled in any sports related activities he chose to undertake. When he could no longer play tennis, he traded his tennis racket for a pickleball paddle. He played this activity until his illness no longer allowed him this pleasure.
He is survived by his loving wife Joan Edwards of Overland Park, 2 sons, Michael Edwards Jr, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Williams Edwards of Overland Park, KS; step-son Jimmy Strahle, DeSoto, KS, and step-daughter Jennifer Strahle, San Diego CA. Grandchildren, Mahaya Strahle of Lawrence KS, Stone Strahle of Eudora, KS and Cara Phelan of San Diego, CA.
There will be a celebration of life for Michael at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15th at Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS, with a visitation beginning 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to The Parkingson’s Exercise and Wellness Center, 3660 W 95th Street, Leawood KS, or to Advanced Home Health & Hospice Kansas City, MO, 9229 Ward Parkway, Ste 350 KCMO 64114
