William “Bill” Dean Edwards, 69 of Patoka, IL, passed away peacefully May 30, 2025. He was born June 5, 1955, the son of Billy and Wilma (Vogt) Edwards in Centralia. He married the love of his life, his best friend, Cheryl Oberlink, in Vandalia on April 2, 1977, and they shared 48 amazing years of marriage.
Survivors that will remember Bill’s warmth, spunk and charisma include his soulmate, Cheryl Edwards of Patoka; his three loyal sons, Michael “Mike” Edwards and wife Marta of Vandalia, Ryan Edwards and wife Jennie of Odin, and Josh Edwards and wife Nikki of Sandoval; precious blessings, his grandchildren, Annabell, Alexia, Wyatt, Zoey, and Joey; his “older” sister, Kathy Criner and husband Jason of Patoka; his father and mother-in-law, Danny and Barbara Oberlink of Vandalia; his brother-in-law, Kevin Oberlink of Vandalia; and niece, nephews, aunts, cousins, extended family members and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Wilma Edwards, and his sister-in-law, Pam Oberlink.
Bill worked 34 dedicated years and served as Union Steward for the Centralia Post Office until his well-deserved retirement. He was active in his community, serving many years on the Patoka Fire Department. Bill was known locally as the best lawnmower repairman who worked from sunup to sundown. He mowed for Patoka First Baptist Church and kept his own lawn immaculate. Bill was the life of a party; he brought joy to a room, and his passionate discussions made him the center of attention. He had an excellent sense of humor; his quick-witted one-liners kept everyone on their toes. Bill was a good caregiver and would be willing to help out family and friends in a moment’s notice. Bill and Cheryl relaxed along the shoreline of Carlyle Lake in their camper, welcoming their friends and family with a bowl of Bill’s famous homemade ice cream. Motorcycle rides were a win-win for Bill. He got to enjoy the thrill of the open road and found it the perfect excuse to get Cheryl’s arms wrapped around him. Bill above all looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and family. Bill stood for what was right, brought encouraging positivity to every situation, and to know him was to love him.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at Patoka First Baptist Church with his cousin, Chris Chappell officiating. Burial will follow at Pratt Cemetery in rural Patoka. Friends and relatives are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church in Patoka, to offer words of comfort and support to Bill’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to the Patoka Fire Department or Pratt Cemetery and will be accepted for the family at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka. Online condolences and memories of Bill may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting the family of Bill Edwards with arrangements.
