Robert "Bob" M Edwards of Poplar Grove, IL passed away at a
youthful 90 years old on January 21, 2019.
He was born to Robert and Audrey Edwards on October 4, 1928 in a
farmhouse in Canby, MN. Bob's dad helped with the delivery because the doctor
couldn't make it in time.

Bob is greatly missed by his loving family. He leaves behind his children, Barb (Ken) Hall, Robb (Becky) Edwards, Mary (Larry) Smith, Mike (Lynn) Edwards, and Suzi (Konrad) Parris; siblings, Allen Edwards, Dorothy Fabrick, and Aline Long; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful buddy, Rusty. He was preceded in death by his parents, his adored wife Betty, and his sister, Maxine Lee.

Bob graduated from Harlem High School and received a
Bachelor and Master of Science Degree from University of Illinois. There he met
his wife of 61 years, Betty, while washing dishes at her sorority. They were
married June 8, 1952.

After graduation, Bob was an Ag teacher in Waterman, IL and
later taught science in Rockford, IL. He often spoke fondly of his students and
time as a teacher. As Manager of the National Peach Council, Bob visited
orchards all over the country. He and Betty decided they would love to plant
their own orchard and raise their children in the country. They purchased his
folks' dairy farm in Poplar Grove, IL and planted the first trees that would
become known as Edwards Apple Orchard. They hoped guests would visit their farm
and enjoy celebrating fall with their families.

Bob loved his community and was willing to help wherever
needed. Some of the organizations he was passionate about included Poplar Grove
Lions, Boone County Historical Society, Sister Cities of Belvidere, Poplar
Grove United Methodist Church, Rock Valley College, Illinois Horticulture
Society, International Fruit Tree Association, Harlem Alums and his beloved card
groups.

As an avid tennis player, Bob played into his 80's and
provided tennis courts for his community of Poplar Grove. He especially enjoyed
running a yearly summer tennis camp for local students. Staying active all his life, Bob exercised
daily and would do laps at the grocery store during the winter months. He believed
that his daily glass of apple cider also added to his longevity.

Bob loved tomatoes and sweet corn from his garden, taking his
Model A for a spin, keeping the squirrels away from his bird feeders and making
hand cranked ice cream. Above all else, Bob was a lover of people. There was absolutely
nothing he enjoyed more than chatting with old friends or striking up a
conversation with a new acquaintance.

His life will be celebrated with a visitation from 4:00 pm
to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church,
105 E. Grove St., Poplar Grove. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Saturday,
January 26, 2019 at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be given to the North Boone Education Foundation to establish a
scholarship in Bob's name. Contributions may also be given to the Poplar Grove
United Methodist Church.