Dwayne D. Edwards, of St. James, MO, left this earth for his heavenly home on the evening of Monday, October 7, 2024. He was surrounded by his family and a room filled with love. Dwayne was born on December 12, 1948, to Dwight and Wilma (Hunter) Edwards, at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, MO. In September 1983, he married his beloved wife, Martha Prine Edwards, of New Orleans, LA. Born into this union were two children, Amy and Greg. Dwayne earned bachelor's degrees in accounting and psychology at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and a master's degree in counseling from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. His career focused on caring for others, starting in his youth while supporting the St. James community at his parents' Western Auto. Later, as an insurance agent, he was known for compassion and integrity while providing others with peace of mind and protection. While working several years in the mental health field, he touched many lives through his counseling, thoughtfulness, and deep empathy, inspiring a legacy of kindness and care. After retirement, Dwayne worked as a substitute teacher in the St. James School District, where he enjoyed working with students. He was also a volunteer at the St. James Senior Center, washing dishes and bringing joy and laughter to others. Dwayne's favorite roles, however, were as a father, husband, and grandfather. His granddaughter, Olive, was the light of his life. He is survived by his wife, Martha Prine Edwards, of the home; his daughter, Dr. Amy Edwards Patterson (Sam), of New York, NY; his son Dr. Greg Edwards (Danetra), of St. James; his granddaughter, Olive Edwards, of St. James; honorary grandchildren, Ronan and Evie; and dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Wilma Edwards; his mother- and father-in-law, Toxie "Buck" Prine and Betty Watts Prine; his sisters-in-law, Patricia Geiger and Susan Prine; his niece, Laura Lee Geiger, and nephew, Kenneth Geiger; his dear friend, Marilyn Nelson, who was also Olive's MawMaw; his cousins; and many other friends and classmates. Dwayne was a past master of St. James Masonic Lodge #230. Taking after his father, he was well-known for his Masonic knowledge and willingness to mentor others. Dwayne also shared this passion with his son, Greg, a third-generation master of the lodge. Dwayne was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and a man of great faith. He ministered quietly to many people over his lifetime and was known for his sense of humor, patience, kindness, love of education, and heart of a servant. He was a basketball fan, and he loved to run, play snooker, travel, share his incredible upside-down and backwards piano talents, and laugh. After his passing, David Watkins Sr. led the family in a prayer that honored Dwayne's remarkable life and gave thanks to the Lord for his time on Earth. His family will have a celebration of life at a later date. In tribute to his memory, donations can be made to the Dwayne Edwards Memorial Fund being set up at Town & Country Bank in St. James.