Obituary of Douglas A. Edwards

Douglas Arthur Edwards, 67, of Vanderpool Road, Vilas, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at his home, where his beloved wife, Sandra Basel, and many friends and relatives had helped him through his brief battle with cancer. Doug owned DAE-COR Builders and most recently was associated with Cornerstone Construction in Foscoe. He loved music, and animals, but had a special place in his heart for Rufus, his Black Jack donkey. Doug was an ardent baseball fan and follow most games of his favorite team, the Oakland A's. After his diagnosis with a brain tumor in March, Doug became an inspiration to those who know him by keeping his keen sense of humor and generous spirit. Doug was born April 26, 1945, in Merced, California. He served in the Navy and then graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor's degree in anthropology. He moved to Watauga County in 2002. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Carble of Monte Vista, California, and one sister, Doris. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three brothers, Ken and his wife Linda of San Jose, California; John and his wife Deborah of Scotia, New York, and David of Fremont, California; one sister, Claudia Stefani of Santa Cruz, California, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at the Vanderpool Baptist Church in the Vanderpool Community Friday, June 15, 2012 at 6 PM. Pastor Andy Watson will officiate with the assistance of Doug's brother, Pastor John Edwards, and Brent Price. The family would like to thank the employees of the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center and Medi-Home Hospice for their fine care. The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the Vanderpool Baptist Church, c/o Charlie Church, 1850 Vanderpool Road, Vilas, NC 28692 or to Medi-Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657. Online condolences may be sent to the Edwards family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Edwards family.