Ricky (RRR) Edwards was a Joyful, charismatic, nature loving, courageous, competitive, and comedic man. He always had time for his family. Unless, it was a Saturday night in the months of April to September of course. As many of you may know, that was race season. Ricky's biggest joys and hobbies were Saturday night lights at the race track, at the river bank with a bonfire and his two sons, or with his wife on the front porch of the home they worked so passionately for. To know Rick, was to know lots of laughter, lots of stories, and lots of love.

Richard Wayne Edwards, 59, passed away on the night of Monday, March 3rd, 2025 at 10:05 PM at his residence in Indianola, IA. He gained his wings surrounded by his wife, Jody Edwards, son, Brady Edwards, daughter-in-law, Amanda Edwards, son, Tanner Edwards, and daughter-in-law, Tana Crosby. Rick was diagnosed with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma back in 2022. The cancer eventually metastasized throughout his body, giving him many complications and challenges. Ricky led a long and courageous battle. He hardly let it get him down, stop him from doing things, or prevent him from making memories. He may have lost his battle but he will always be the strongest warrior in our eyes.

Rick was born in Des Moines, IA on July, 21st 1965. He was the son of Richard H. Edwards and Julia J. Edwards. He was also the eldest brother to Robert Edwards. Ricky grew up in the Dexter/Redfield area. Growing up Ricky was a very active, rambunctious, and ornery boy at times. When Rob was born, the boys gave their parents a run for their money. The brothers would go out trapping together. Rick wouldn't go by himself and made Rob go with him because he was scared he'd see something. What you may ask? Bigfoot! Yes, Ricky passionately believed in bigfoot and still did until the day he passed. As the boys got older, their mom would take the boys to Knoxville raceway every Saturday. This is what started the love for racing. Ricky graduated from Dexterfield High School in 1983. While in attendance, Rick enjoyed participating in football and wrestling. After graduation, he found an even bigger passion for racing. Specifically, Motocross. His love for motocross rubbed off on his little brother Rob. So much as so, Rob still carries his passion for the sport to this day. Rick raced motocross all throughout Iowa. Shortly after, Rob and Rick started a dwarf car racing team. This turned into a full-on sprint car team in Knoxville, IA. To not only support his family but also his racing habits, Rick joined the trucking industry hauling fuel. As many of you know… He had over a million miles under his belt and he wouldn't let anyone forget it!

In 1982 he met his 'soon to be' wife, Jody Edwards. He married her in 1985. They have been married for 39 years. The couple enjoyed 7 years of marriage before welcoming their two wonderful sons, Tanner and Brady. They raised their beautiful family in Van Meter, IA. Rick and Jody always cherished their date nights together.  One of their favorite dates before and after kids was going down on the river bank and fishing with one another. Racing also played a huge part in their marriage. Jody was nothing short of supportive of Rick's passions. Their relationship could have easily been described as passionate, adventurous, and spontaneous.  As life went on, they developed a love for traveling and cruising with their close friends and family. They successfully experienced many vacations together and made a lot of memories to cherish.

Rick and his two sons together was nothing short of entertaining, to say the least. Tanner, the oldest, was the first to give ole Ricky a run for his money. Then 5 years later, came Brady. Growing up the boys fell into the same passions as their "Pops." It all started with Tanner racing go karts in Newton, IA at the age of 9, with his Pops, his friend Steve, and his son Nolan. After seeing one son take after his passion, he couldn't help but put his 4 year old son, Brady, on a 50 CC dirt bike. Both boys quickly gained interest and developed skill for each sport. This made Pops fall head over heels for the race community. As Tanner got older, he moved onto sprint cars at Knoxville Raceway. They had 7 successful seasons. Rick was not only proud of his son, but he was also proud to own a car at Knoxville Raceway. Brady continued to race motocross and made it up to the 250 class. After both boys became hellbent with a led foot like their old man, this led to a few crashes and an 8 year break from racing as they entered their adult years. In 2022, the Edwards family got the news of Rick's health. This is when they decided to get the Edwards pit crew together and give racing one last "hoorah." With Pops as the crew chief, Tanner on the wrench, and Brady as the driver, the JR Motorsports team began. They raced two seasons of Micro Sprint racing across three states. The boys can confidently say that they got one last chance to make some great memories, stories, and proud dad moments with Pops.

Rick is survived by a very loving family. These members include, Jody Edwards (wife); Brady Edwards (son); Amanda Edwards (daughter-in-law); Tanner Edwards (son); Tana Crosby (daughter-in-law); Tegan Edwards (grandson); Julia J. Edwards (mother); Richard H. Edwards (father); Robert Edwards (brother); Kelly Edwards (sister-in-law); Colton Edwards (nephew); Ken Blackburn (father-in-law); Penny Blackburn (sister-in-law); Toni Vanderpool (sister-in-law); Bill Vanderpool (brother-in-law); along with multiple great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the family's home to honor Rick and all of his memories at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, may be brought to Rick's Celebration of Life. The family would like to especially thank Mission Cancer and Blood, Dr. Zeeshawn Jawa, Every Step Hospice, The wonderful staff in oncology at Methodist, Overton Funeral Home, and Friends and Family for their care, dedication, and efforts during this difficult time.