Dale Ivan Edwards entered his Heavenly home with Jesus free from Earthly pain at 7:10 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Webber Street Christian Church, Urbana; Rev. Sam Stow officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Champaign. Military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana is in charge of arrangements.

He was born in Mattoon on January 12, 1930. His father Avon Payton Edwards and his mother Amanda Moutry. Nine children came into this family, Norma, Dale, Delores, Charlie, Mary, David and Barbara, their mother died at an early age from cancer so dale, learned very early in life to work hard to get ahead in life. After graduation he attended Eastern Illinois University for two years before signing up in the Air Force and earned the rank of Staff Sargent. He then went back to Eastern Illinois University and earned his Bachelor's degree. He then went to the University of Illinois and earned his Doctorate degree in plant pathology. He then accepted a job with United Fruit Company in Honduras Central America. While in school he also worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His research was on Nematodes on Bananas in Honduras and soy beans in the United States. When he retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he accepted a position at the University of Illinois Agriculture Extension.

Dale married Carol Perry while he was a student at Eastern Illinois University. Four children were born Cheryl Wendt, Cathy (Bill) Barnett, Steve (Brenda) Edwards and Alan Edwards. They have eight grandchildren, Travis (Emily) Wendt, Miranda (Trent) Humes, Caitlin Barnett, Grace Barnett, Joshua (Melvina) Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, Drew Edwards and Amara Edwards. There are six great grandchildren, Cordelia and Oliver Wendt, Damion and Desmond Humes, Haven and A'lonna Edwards. Dale was very active in volunteer work with scouting and little league coaching. He was an Elder at Webber Street Christian Church. He loved watching Cardinal baseball and the University of Illinois sports. He loved playing with his grandchildren.

He is loved by many especially his family and will be missed for all his love and caring.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Webber Street Christian Church or any organization related to Macular Degeneration. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.