Obituary
David John Edwards (John) passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 with his wife, Linda, by his side. He was the son of Lawrence and Mary Geneva Edwards, born June 30th, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. John was a graduate of Neutrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (BA), and the University of Missouri, Kansas City, (MS). John’s Master’s Degree from UMKC was in Public Administration after which he began a long career in city government. As city administrator of Lee’s Summit in 1970 John guided the city through a period of rapid growth. After leaving Lee’s Summit in 1991, he formed a consulting firm, finding city managers for many small towns and cities in Missouri, as well as serving as interim manager until the searches were successful. Among his many recognitions, John was particularly honored to be a Paul Harris Fellow, an award given to individuals for significant contributions to their community. He was also a recipient of the Missouri City Management Association’s J. Bell Award presented annually to an individual “displaying high standards of accomplishment, professionalism and ethical conduct”.
On August 30th, 1958 John married Linda Leith. They had two wonderful sons, Grant (deceased) and Todd. After retiring in 2006, John enjoyed long distance cycling, riding the MS 150 several times with the otherwise all-women team whose camaraderie he greatly enjoyed. He also became an early adaptor and great enthusiast of Pickleball. John was a long time Episcopalian and member of St. Anne’s and St. Paul’s parishes in Lee’s Summit, serving as Senior Warden in both churches several times.
John was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Grant died one week after he did. His survivors include his wife Linda, his son Todd, his daughter-in-law Laura, his five wonderful grandchildren, Ben, Jamie, Abby, Cameron and Eric Edwards, his sister-in-law Martha Sayler, and several cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in John’s memory to go to the Edwards Family Scholarship Fund at UMKC at
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
I’d like to offer my condolences to the Edwards family on the passing of a very great man, D. John Edwards. I had the pleasure to know him as a mentor, colleague and friend. I was inspired to go into local government after attending a lecture by John, and at one point in my career I was fortunate enough to have him as a boss. His mentoring and guidance eventually led me to follow in his footsteps and become a fellow City Manager. His unfailing kindness, interest in others, wisdom, and love of life will always be remembered by those of us who were blessed to know him.
Linda,
My sincere condolences to you and family on the passing of my dear friend, John. My heart aches for all that knew John because if you had the pleasure of knowing John, you loved him! He was such a caring person who could always bring a smile to your face no matter what you were facing. His love of his Faith, his Country, and his Family was apparent in every conversation. He meant so much to me as a mentor, a colleague, and most importantly, as a forever friend! May God wrap his loving arms around you all and help you in this difficult time. With Love!
On behalf of the Missouri City/County Management Association, we offer our condolences to the Edwards family on the passing of D. John Edwards. A colleague of who had a positive impact on our lives and the local government where he dedicated his career.
It was a joy to have John as a guide and professional mentor in my life. I clearly remember my early days (1980s) needing to connect with respected Missouri City Managers for networking opportunities. John always took time to visit and say hello to me at the conferences. In 2001 I started my work with the City of Lee’s Summit. John was one of the first individuals who I sought out for guidance on the community and local politics. He was a blessing to me. I am happy for the chance to know him and his lovely wife, Linda. Peace be with you.
As a fellow city manager I remember John as steady and thoughtful, qualities needed in the all too frequent hub-bub that pops up in city government. John was a good sounding board for those of us who needed a good listener and counselor. I was fortunate to have him as a colleague and friend.
But he was not without a keen sense of humor. One day he sent one of his employees over to my office as a job applicant leading me along with unusual questions and answers. John and she had a great laugh, and I did too when they let me in on the joke.
God bless you John. Our prayers are with you, Linda and your a family.