Obituary for Dallas Gene Edwards

Dallas Gene Edwards, son of Lois Mae (Ballard) Edwards and Ralph William David Edwards, was born on January 7, 1941, in Canby, Iowa. He passed away on March 11, 2026, in Ames, IA at the age of 85.

His family moved to a farm north of Afton, Iowa when he was around seven years old. After his parents’ divorce, he became the man of the family, helping to raise his younger siblings and keep the farm going. He spent the rest of his youth and early adulthood on that farm where they raised dairy cows, pigs and various other farm animals.

Dallas attended country school #9 (Onion Creek School) and later Afton High School where he graduated in 1959. He continued to help run the family farm and did other various jobs until being hired at Hills-McCanna, later known as Fansteel/Wellman Dynamics, in 1965 where he remained until he retired in 2004.

He was united in marriage to Jane (James) Miller on October 25, 1967, in Creston, Iowa. Jane brought three young children with her into this union, and they had two more children together shortly after. They would settle in the Afton area where they raised their five kids and farmed.

Dallas was a member of the Methodist church, also attending the Presbyterian church, and had a strong faith in the Lord. In his spare time, he enjoyed yearly trips to Branson with the family and square dancing on the weekends. He was also very active with 4-H and the sheep association.

In his later years, his biggest joy was his grandkids. He and Jane loved to take them on trips, have sleepovers and spoil them. He loved to tease, not only them, but everyone around him.

Dallas and Jane moved to Grand Junction, Iowa in 2019 to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter but still made regular trips back to Afton to visit friends and family.

Dallas is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane; daughter, Brenda (Robert) Kafer of Grand Junction; step children: Jim Miller of Osceola, Jeanette (Byron) Hughes of Ottumwa, and Julia Miller of Ottumwa; sister, Judy Weinkoetz of Afton; grandchildren: Cody (Devin) Walter, Conner Walter, Casey Walter, Rebecca (Austin Decker) Ladd, Rachel (Josh Althoff) Antons, Jonathan Antons; great granddaughter, Freya Walter; sister-in-law, Ellen (Charlie) Rinner; brothers-in-law: Jerry (Mary) James and Steve (Barb) James; and several step grandchildren, half siblings, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Edwards; parents, Lois and Ralph Edwards; in-laws, Rex and Maefray James; siblings: Terrill Edwards, Philip Edwards, Dixie Swanson, and Pam Woods; brothers-in-law: Joe Weinkoetz and Terry Berdine; sister-in-law, Susan Colt; niece, Candace Edwards; nephew, Garth Swanson; and his beloved dog, Petey.

Celebration of life to be held at a later date.

Condolences can be sent to the family at 505 14th St S #3, Grand Junction, IA 50107.