Donald Thomas Edwards, 84, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on June 9, 2026 at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center and went to be with his Heavenly Father.
Born on March 28, 1942, at Riverside Hospital in Paducah, Don was the son of the late Charles and Marie Edwards.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy. During his military service, he worked as a hard hat diver, deep-sea diver, and scuba diver. He served honorably and was discharged with pride, carrying the values of dedication and discipline throughout his life.
A true entrepreneur and hardworking provider, Don worked as an electrician before founding Crown Electric, Inc. in 1979. He owned and operated Crown Electric for thirty-six years. Through determination, skill, and an unwavering work ethic, he built a successful business that served the community for decades before retiring in 2016.
Don was always thankful for the opportunities he was given and remained humble and grateful. He was known for doing things the right way and held himself to the highest standards. His attention to detail and pursuit of excellence reflected not only his high-achieving nature, but also the deep care and pride he invested in everything he did.
Don was a very kindhearted man who was passionate about helping those in need. He traveled to Morogoro, Tanzania, on mission trips to help establish The Paducah Hillside School, churches, and fresh water supplies to many communities he grew to love like family.
Don also enjoyed dirt-track and drag racing, a passion he continued to pursue throughout his life. He loved duck hunting and found great joy in tending his vegetable garden, where he was known for growing an abundant harvest that he loved to share with others. Whether at the racetrack, in the outdoors, working in his garden, or spending time with his lovely wife, Bettie, who was indeed his best friend, Don approached every endeavor with enthusiasm, dedication, and skill.
Don was a faithful and active member of Lone Oak Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Bettie Edwards of Paducah, Kentucky; his children, Shawn Edwards and wife, Jamie, of Alpharetta, Georgia, Kimberly Puckett and husband, Jeffrey, of Paducah, Kentucky, and Chad Edwards and wife, Mendy, of Paducah, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Edwards.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Bro. Danny Orazine officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the service hour of 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Morogoro Missions, Inc., P.O. Box 8104, Paducah, KY 42002
