John Lovell Edwards
1922-2013
The Life of John L. Edwards
Rev. John Lowell Edwards was a minister, writer, and veteran whose life spanned more than nine decades of Christian service, scholarship, and public religious discussion within churches of Christ. He was born on January 24, 1922, in Clinton, Missouri, to Darsie Everett Edwards and Jessie Agnes (Dody) Edwards, both of whom were 26 years old at the time of his birth. He was the second of eight children in the Edwards family and spent much of his early life in western Missouri, growing up near Nevada, Missouri, where he attended school and worked on the family farm.
During his youth the Edwards family lived in several communities in Missouri, including Deerfield (1930), Vernon (1935), and Badger (1940). These rural settings shaped his early years and work ethic. Like many of his generation, his life was soon interrupted by global conflict. In 1943 he entered the United States Army, serving during World War II in the Pacific Theater, where he was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines.
After the war Edwards pursued higher education. He attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1950. He also completed graduate work at the University of Arkansas and other institutions, continuing his academic development while beginning his professional and ministerial life.
On August 21, 1948, he married Janice Clarene Wilkerson (1922-2006), the daughter of Clarence L. Wilkerson (1888-1949), and Leola Mae Freeman Wilkerson (1895-1988). The couple established their home in Springfield, Missouri, and had two sons. Their first son, Gregory Edwards, was born October 13, 1950. Another son, Kerry (or Cary) Lee Edwards, was born January 2, 1958, but tragically died just a few weeks later on January 23, 1958.
In the early years of his career Edwards worked in several agricultural and food-related companies, including Producers Creamery Company, MFA, Carnation Company, and West Virginia Pulp Company between 1950 and 1963. During this period he also began preaching part-time at the East Grand Church of Christ in Springfield, Missouri. His preaching work eventually became his primary vocation.
In 1964 he began a full-time preaching career in St. Louis, Missouri, serving with what is now the McKnight Road Church of Christ. His preaching career lasted approximately twenty-five years, and he became known both for his teaching and his written work. Edwards was a capable writer, contributing articles to respected brotherhood publications such as the Firm Foundation and the Gospel Advocate.
In the 1980s, Edwards became widely known for his views on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, which differed from the traditional position held by many churches of Christ. He published a book titled An In-Depth Study of Marriage and Divorce, in which he offered an interpretation of New Testament passages—especially Matthew 19:9—based on his study of Greek grammar. Edwards argued that the “adultery” described in the passage referred to the act of divorce and remarriage itself, rather than to a continuing state afterward. His interpretation generated considerable discussion and controversy.
Because of these views, Edwards engaged in a public debate with Bill Jackson in January 1988 at the Southwest Church of Christ in Austin, Texas. The debate addressed whether individuals who had divorced and remarried without scriptural grounds were continuing to live in adultery or whether the adultery occurred only in the act of remarriage. The discussion reflected the intense interest and doctrinal concern surrounding the subject within churches of Christ at the time.
Edwards also came from a family deeply involved in Christian ministry. His brother Earl D. Edwards served for many years as a missionary in Italy and later became a beloved faculty member at Freed-Hardeman University.
After retiring from full-time preaching at age seventy, Edwards returned to Springfield, Missouri, where he spent his later years. Over the course of his life he was known for his devotion to study, writing, and teaching the Scriptures.
John Lowell Edwards died on February 13, 2013, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 91. He was buried on February 19, 2013, next to his first wife, Janice, who preceded him in death June 6, 2006, and near his father-in-law, Clarence L. Wilkerson, a greatly respected preacher among churches of Christ in that region, at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Clara and Helen, brother Homer, his first wife Janice, and his son Cary. He was survived by his second wife, Rose, his son Greg and daughter-in-law Becky, grandchildren Noelle and Christopher, Christopher’s wife Brooke, and several siblings, including Glenn, Earl, Mary, and Martha, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Those who knew him remembered him as a dedicated Christian minister, thoughtful writer, and earnest student of Scripture who lived a long and active life of service.
Scott Harp, 03.11.2026
The Springfield News Leader, Springfield, Missouri
Tuesday, December 21,
1993, p.6
St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri
Friday, December 2, 1966, p.41
St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri
Sunday, November 8, 1966, p.31
The Springfield News Leader, Springfield, Missouri
Sunday, August 29, 1948, p.15.
Obituary For John L. Edwards
John Lowell Edwards, 91, of Springfield MO went to be with his Lord on February 13, 2013. John lived a long full Christian Life.
John was born on January 24, 1922 to Darsie and Jessie (Dody) Edwards in Clinton, MO. He was the second of eight children. He grew up in the Nevada area, going to school and working on the family farm. John entered the Army in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater (New Guinea and the Philippines). John was married to Janice Wilkerson on August 21, 1948 and made his home in Springfield, MO. He earned his B.S. degree in Agriculture in 1950 from Southwest Missouri State University. He also did graduate work at the University of Arkansas and other institutions. Gregory Edwards was born to John and Janice on October 13, 1950. After college John worked for Producers Creamery Co., MFA, Carnation Co., and West Virginia Pulp Co. from1950 -1963. During the later part of this period, John also preached part-time at the East Grand Church of Christ. He began his 25 year (full-time) preaching career in 1964 in St. Louis at what is now the McKnight Road Church of Christ. John retired at age 70 and moved back to Springfield, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Clara and Helen, and one brother Homer, by his first wife Janice and son Cary. John is survived by his second wife Rose, son Greg and wife Becky, grandchildren Noelle and Christopher and Christopher's wife Brooke. He is also survived by his brother Glenn and wife Ann, brother Earl and wife Lora, sister Mary and husband John Barton, and sister Martha, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.
Visitation and the funeral will be at the Greenlawn East Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Monday, February 18th from 6-8 p.m. and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 19th at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Mt. Comfort Cemetery.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Fair Haven Children's Home (Strafford Mo.) in the name of John L. Edwards.
Directions To Grave
John L. and Janice C. Edwards are buried in the Mt. Comfort Church Cemetery. North of Springfield. Head north of I-44 on N. State Highway H. Head out a few miles to Avalon Community. When H takes a hard turn to the left, continue straight on Missouri KK Rd. Take the next road to the right E. State Kk. Right after the turn, turn right again E. Farm Rd 66. Mt. Comfort church will be on the right. Enter the cemetery on the main drive toward the rear. Stop in the last section on the right and enter the cemetery. You will be very close to the grave. Closeby is the grave of Clarence Wilkerson
GPS Location
37°19'29.3"N 93°14'53.6"W
or D.d. 37.324805, -93.248213
Mount Comfort Church Cemetery
NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP
Kerry Lee Edwards
January 2, 1958 - January 23, 1958
EDWARDS
John L. - January 24, 1922 - February 13, 2013
Janice C. - September 11, 1922 - June 6, 2006
Together Forever - Married August 21, 1948
Photos Taken May 5, 2025
Webpage produced March 10, 2026
Courtesy Of Scott Harp
www.TheRestorationMovement.com
Special Recognition: The 1st Sunday in May, 2025 it was my privilege to preach a Gospel Meeting for the S. Hwy 5 church of Christ in Lebanon, Missouri. While in the area, I had the opportunity to visit the Edwards and Clarence Wilkerson graves.