Mr. Timothy Edwards

Obituary Practically an entrepreneur from birth, Tim’s independent business career spirit emerged while he was in high school and continued all his life. Timothy (Tim) Van Edwards was born of the union of Donald Van Edwards, Jr., and Alice Lee (Aikens) Garlington on November 19, 1958. Until he searched for his birth certificate for his driver’s license, the family celebrated his birthday on November 18, based on the memory of his Aunt Mildred Smith. Tim passed away peacefully at the Hospice House in south Kansas City, Missouri, on August 31, 2021. Receiving a solid education was an expectation set early by his mother. He began his elementary education at St. Joseph Catholic Church (now St. Monica), then at St. Theresa of Little Flower. In elementary school, he was one of the first African-American boys to sing with his younger brother for the Pontifical Choir, the men and boys choir of the greater Kansas City Catholic Diocese. Tim continued his education at Bishop Hogan Catholic High School, before graduating in 1977 from Ruskin High School. He attended Columbia College and the University of Missouri, Columbia, though college limited Tim’s aspirations in his life plan. While at Bishop Hogan, Tim started the first of his entrepreneur ventures by purchasing a mid-1960s Lincoln Continental and a Cadillac Coupe de Ville, that would become a long stream of cars purchased. In his early 20’s, Tim traveled to Germany to buy a late model white, two-door Mercedes Coup convertible, shipped it to the United States, and drove it from New York City to Kansas City. He enjoyed driving around town in it with his friends. Over the years, he obtained his buyer’s license, purchased cars at auctions, fixed them, and then sold the cars for profit. He also bought houses, fixed them up, and sold them for a profit. In addition, Tim was invited to teach electrical classes at Penn Valley Community College. Painting houses was his first skilled craft, and after years of experience, he gained additional knowledge to be a general contractor. He could hang drywall, work on plumbing and electrical jobs, and eventually took classes to become an HVAC contractor, which became his primary source of income. He placed bid for and won contracts to paint apartments for Kansas City’s government and was well known for his HVAC work, gaining most of his business by word of mouth. Coincidentally, when it was really hot outside, he was selective in his work because he didn’t like working in the hot weather. Making and closing business deals and seeking adventure was very much a part of Tim’s life. He was a shrewd businessman and traveled to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo in Brazil, and Western Europe. His last trip was to Paris, France. Tim was ahead of business trends when he wanted to import body cameras, though at the time, there wasn’t an American market for them. Years later, the cameras eventually came into use with police departments across the United States. Tim had a keen sense of humor and could easily be charming and the life of the party at any gathering. However, he also could be a no-nonsense professional who could easily cut to the chase while working with his many satisfied clients. Tim lived for 17 years with liver disease that eventually took his life. His parents and step-father, Luther Garlington, preceded him in death. He is survived by two sisters, Alyce Edwards of Kansas City, Kansas, and Kimberly (Davis) Glover, (George), of Katy, Texas, and a brother, Peter Edwards, of Capitol Heights, Maryland. He leaves a nephew, niece, and a host of family and friends including “The Woodies” family (affectionately named by his mother, Alice). In addition, he is remembered by his best friend, Rick Hiebl (Susan), and dear to Tim, Ursula (Phinney) Stemm (Bill) and Cynthia Woods-Stewart. A wake is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, from 5–7 p.m. at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels (1800 E Linwood Boulevard, KC, MO) and a celebration of his life be held at St. Monica Catholic Church Wednesday, September 8, beginning at 11 a.m. (1616 Paseo Boulevard, KC, MO), followed by his interment at Mount Moriah Cemetery (10507 Holmes Road, KC, MO). Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Please note: Face masks are required for all in-door events. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Timothy Edwards, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mr. Timothy Edwards

November 19, 1958 - August 31, 2021