David Lynn Edwards, 77, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on March 20, 2017.

Mr. Edwards was born on June 27, 1939, in Austin, Minnesota, where he graduated from Pacelli High School in 1957. He continued his education at St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1961. Receiving an ROTC commission as a 2nd lieutenant, he entered on active duty in January 1962, and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in January 1983. His Army career included paratrooper and Special Forces training, earning him the Green Beret. He completed two tours in Germany where he met and married his wife, Johanna, and served tours in both Thailand (46th Special Forces Company), and Vietnam (101st Airborne Division).  His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and two awards of the Legion of Merit.

Following his military service, Mr. Edwards was employed in the federal court system for 15 years. He served as the Clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida from 1990-1996.

He lost his beloved wife, Johanna, to cancer in April 2004, and shortly thereafter began what he referred to as the most important work of his life — writing and publishing the story of her life. His book, “Hanna’s War,” was published in 2007 (Xlibris Publishing).

Mr. Edwards is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Edwards- Martin (Jim Martin), of Columbus, Ohio; siblings, Ellen Jacobson (Richard Jacobson), Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Nancy Struif, Fridley, Minnesota, Jean Cole (Rod Cole), Tenstrike, Minnesota, Kathleen Edwards (Daved Frerker), La Jolla, California, Deborah Edwards (Michael Olson), St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and Diane Edwards, Maplewood, Minnesota.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Johanna; parents, Lynn and Ruth Edwards; and sister, Carol Laine.

Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017, at Washburn-McCreavy Funeral Home, 5000 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55436.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55347. An additional visitation will be held at Pax Christi at 10 a.m. prior to the funeral Mass. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, located at 7601 34th Ave. S. Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55450.

Memorials preferred to donor’s favorite charity.