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Mr. Richard Roy Edwards, Sr. was born in Carmi, Illinois,
on June 11, 1897. He was the youngest son born to Elias
Lawrence Edwards and Margaret Ford Edwards.
As a young man, he moved to Champaign in the early 20s
where he met and married Ora Thornhill. To this union was
born a son, Richard Roy, Jr. Mr. Edwards professed Christ
at an early age while still in Carmi and soon after arriving
in Champaign joined the Morning Star Freewill Baptist Church.
He was a staunch member serving as Deacon for many years
until his failing health.
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He was employed by the U. S. Postal Service and was the
first African American Letter Carrier in Champaign. Upon
his retirement from the Postal Service, Mr. Edwards accepted
a position as County Probation Officer. He was a prominent
community leader serving as a member of the Champaign School
Board, Unit #4, from 1957 to 1968. He was the School Board
secretary from 1964 to 1968.
Mr. Edwards was a 32nd Degree Mason and a 50-year member
of the Blue Lone Star Lodge #18. He was a past Master and
holder of many Grand Lodge offices. Mr. Edwards was past
Exalted Ruler of the University Order of Elks Lodge #619,
and held several offices at the state level. Mr. Edwards
passed away on December 18, 1988.
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