Rusty Lynn Edwards

Rusty Lynn Edwards passed away suddenly on August 12, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Visitation will take place on Friday, August 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, as well as one hour prior to Saturday’s service. Burial will follow the service, at Lower York Cemetery, in Thomson, IL. Family and friends are invited to share in Rusty’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Rusty was born on May 6, 1971, the son of Terry and Penny Edwards. He spent most of his childhood in Thomson, graduating from Thomson High School in 1990. At a young age, Rusty established himself as someone whose presence was undeniable, someone who cared deeply for others, and as someone that could always entertain people. His animated story telling abilities always resulted in a room full of laughter. Rusty lived his life to the fullest and always on his own terms.

Rusty spent his life demonstrating his belief in hard work, a trait he learned from his own father at a young age. He spent many years of his life working multiple jobs at the same time. He began working at Manny’s as a teen, and he continued to work there throughout most of his life. Rusty could still be found there occasionally on weekends, helping when needed. The friendships he built while working at Manny’s proved to be life-long.

Rusty followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a milk hauler. Perhaps what he loved the most about it was that he was able to carry on the family tradition of doing so. This too became a job that Rusty often returned to, whenever he had the opportunity.

Rusty spent the last 20+ years of his life working for the railroad. Here too, Rusty formed many lasting friendships that he truly treasured.

Rusty was often the first one to gather everyone for a meal at his parents’ home. He was always the first one to grant permission to, and often encourage, his many nieces and nephews to do something their parents wouldn’t allow them to do. Most of them learned their first cuss words from “Uncle Stinky.”

Rusty could frequently be found watching his Dallas Cowboys while eating every last bit of chocolate he could find. He spent his life in constant search of someone who was willing to rub his feet.

Rusty lived and loved fiercely. His family meant everything to him and was his greatest source of pride. Spending time with them was Rusty’s favorite thing to do. He loved hearing his grandson call him “Papa Choo Choo.” While you never quite knew what he might come up with next, Rusty’s love for his family was unwavering and unconditional. He taught everyone around him how to enjoy and celebrate each moment that life has to offer. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rusty is survived by his wife, Nadine Edwards; son, Austin Edwards; daughters, Ashley (Brandon Phialmlee) Edwards, Shelby (Brandon Anderson) Paige, and Mandy Myers; grandchildren, Carter, Harper, and Laila; parents, Terry & Penny Edwards; sister, Terry Ann Starr; brothers, Kevin (Crissy) Edwards and Scott (Jessica) Edwards; many nieces and nephews; and many other beloved family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Betty Edwards, Betty Buikema, and Gene Hicks; his aunt, Joyce Bork; and his uncle, Tom Edwards.