The Robert G. and Wilma Jean Edwards Memorial Community Development Fund has been established in their memory to address the future needs of the citizens of Hancock County.
This fund has been established by their children; Diana Lynn, Gary Lee, Roberta Jean (Bertie), and Ricky Paul (Rick) to honor their parents.
Robert (Bob) was a life-long farmer and grew up the son of a blacksmith on the outskirts of Fortville. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work and honesty very early in life. He and Wilma Jean moved to the Mohawk community soon after their marriage, where he became a very well-respected member of the community. He was very involved with the Mohawk United Methodist Church. Bob was a Freemason, and also represented other farmers on the local Co-op Board of Directors.
Bob always had a smile on his face no matter the circumstances, and never knew a stranger. His love for his children and grandchildren was unsurpassed. His teaching and example of hard work and honesty would be his legacy to his children and the people who knew him.
Wilma Jean grew up on the outskirts of McCordsville, the first of five children of a farmer. She too grew up during the Great Depression and learned the value of a family working together to make ends meet. Whether it was milking cows or sewing clothes, her position of being the eldest child and helping take care of her siblings would help her prepare for her life to come.
Soon after graduating from high school, she married, but World War II would take her husband of just a few months to Germany, where he lost his life at the Battle of the Bulge. This loss was devastating for Jean and she always had an empty spot in her heart for her first love. However, time moved on and two years later she met and married Bob, moved to just south of Mohawk, and raised a family of four children.
She enjoyed being a farm wife and participated in all aspects of farming from working the land to sewing on buttons, to preparing family dinners. Once all of her children were in school, she worked several years at Hancock Regional Hospital to help support the family farm. However, her legacy will always be her award-winning quilts, upon which she spent so much time and effort. The skills that she learned from her grandmother and mother earned her several recognitions from her peers.
Their children and grandchildren are proud to honor Bob and Jean. May their legacy live on.
