Richard Paul Edwards

Richard Paul Edwards III, 45, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on December 6, 2025. Born on September 13, 1980, Richard was the son of Dr. Richard Paul Jr. and Cindy Lou Edwards. He grew into a man defined by his love for his family, but also enjoyed spending peaceful time alone, mixed in with trips to the ballpark to watch his favorite teams play baseball.

Richard joined the Army as a Private in 1999. Stationed at Ft. Irwin, CA, he was assigned as an Avenger crew member. When his initial enlistment was up in 2002, he hung up his military uniform to attend college. He called York University, York, Nebraska, his collegiate home, and was there from 2002-2006. Richard graduated with an associate’s degree in 2006. After receiving his degree, he enlisted in the Army and served with the 101st Airborne Division as an Avenger crew member from 2006 to 2008, during which he attained the rank of Sergeant. During his time in the Army, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal three times and the Air Assault badge.

Richard’s life changed forever the day he met his beloved wife, Kelly. Their relationship began at York University, and after dating two years, they married in 2005. Richard loved outdoor adventures, which included family time while bike riding, trips to the ballpark, and occasional nature walks. He also loved traveling; his travels took him to Africa, parts of Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and throughout the United States.

Richard was an avid gun enthusiast and enjoyed participating in Civil War reenactments. He also liked working with his hands, and at one point was apprenticed to a master leather craftsman. As a result, Richard crafted many beautiful leather pieces. He was also very proud of his extended collection of military challenge coins. He even initiated and designed a challenge coin that the VA now presents to honor veterans. Richard adored his family, was an avid baseball fan, and enjoyed honoring and listening to the stories of our Nation’s military veterans.

After leaving the Army, he spent a decade working for the railroad as a locomotive engineer from 2011 to 2021. Deciding that his job with the Railroad took too much time away from his family, in 2023 he pivoted to a new career, working for the Veterans’ Transportation Service as a motor vehicle operator. Richard enjoyed his job and took immense pride in ensuring that our veterans' needs were met, while providing a listening ear as he transported them to and from their doctor’s appointments at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Richard Paul Jr.; a nephew, Nova; and a niece, Lyric. He is survived by his mother, Cindy, of Edmond; his wife, Kelly; daughter, Dustri, 19; daughter, Eliana, 16; son, Richard Paul IV, 14; son, Philip, 10; and daughter, Emma, 8. He also left behind a brother, Ryan, and his wife, Amber, of Edmond, as well as three nephews; Rome, Chaplin and Atlas, and many other extended family members.

Those who knew Richard will remember his quiet strength. While a man of few words, he also had a great sense of humor and wit. He was extremely proud of his children, and family was paramount in Richard’s life. He was often found spending time with his boys playing computer games. In addition, during the COVID era, he began a family tradition of “night riding;” leading his family, to include his brother, mother, nephews, and aunt, through the streets of Edmond, while reminiscing about his childhood jaunts in different neighborhoods. Richard will be remembered for his loyalty, his dedication to family, and the love he had for his mother. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him and in the family legacy he leaves behind.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, OK, from 5-8 p.m. Richard’s graveside burial, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00am Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Ft. Sill National Cemetery, Lawton, OK. A celebration of life will be held for Richard at 3:30 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond.