Winchester – Max Eldon Edwards left this earth to be with his Lord on Dec. 15, 2020, from Randolph Nursing Home, in Winchester. He was born Sept. 9, 1932, to Russel and Maude (Retter) Edwards. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Deloris Ann (“DeeAnn”) Utsler and Keturah Graft.
Max was a farm boy and enjoyed 4-H and showing Shorthorn cattle. He graduated from Lynn High School in 1950. He served in the Army during the Korean War.
In 1956 he married Dixie Anna (Brumfield) Edwards and they were farmers in Randolph County until God called Max into ministry. Max pastored Peaceful Valley Church, and then felt called to missions. In January 1970 Max, Dixie and their 3 children, Jay, Jan and Jeff, sailed by ship to Brazil, South America to serve as missionaries with OMS (One Mission Society). After a year studying Portuguese they moved to interior Brazil, where a 4th child, Joe Russel, was born.
Max taught, pastored and worked hard establishing two youth camps in Brazil: Panorama Camp in the state of São Paulo and Camp Shalom in the state of Paraná. He directed many OMS “Men for Missions” work teams, who joined the efforts to build these camps. Hundreds of young people were touched by the Gospel through this ministry, and these camps continue to impact lives in Brazil. Max also pastored a church in the city of São Paulo: São Saverio. Known as “Tio Max” in Brazil, he was loved for his humble service and passion for Christ.
After almost 14 years they returned to the US and Max served with Men for Missions, to inspire others to “go, give and do” on the mission field. He led groups of laymen to many different countries both to work and to minister. He was a motivator. Countless individuals trace their involvement in God’s work around the world to an encounter with Max Edwards!
After retiring from OMS Max served as pastor in the Winchester Congregational Church, now known as East Street Church, for 6 years. After that he pastored Jericho Friends Church for 3 years. During this time he also served as a Randolph County Councilman for three years.
Max had a heart for people and served in any and every way he could. Even after he gave up the pastorate, he continued to minister in nursing homes. He was active in this ministry until losing his fight with Alzheimer’s.
He is survived by his wife, Dixie, and two sisters, Nina Rittenhouse and Janice Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his children Jay & Kirsten, (Brazil), Rod and Jan (Edwards) Dormer, Jeff and Laura, Joe and Sharon (TX). He is survived by his grandchildren Jason (Andrea) Edwards, Aaron (Lorena) Edwards, Cristiana Verissimo (Joseph), Danna (Dormer) Matsuki (Shogo), Jenna (Dormer) Strahm (Brendan), Katie (Edwards) Cesar (Thiago), Kendra (Edwards) Thomas (Mark), Anna (Edwards) Eismont (Ethan), Nate Edwards, Sophia Edwards and Joelle Edwards. Max and Dixie are also blessed with 14 great grandchildren. His family seeks to follow his example of bold and unwavering obedience to God and service to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to One Mission Society, Voice of the Martyrs, or Open Doors. Visitation will be held in their home church, East Street Church, 128 N East St, Winchester, IN 47394, on Friday December 18, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. The funeral will take place on Saturday December 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., at the church. Due to Covid restrictions, the funeral will be attended by immediate family only, but will be live-streamed at: www.eaststreet.church
Walker Funeral Home in Winchester is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerswinchester.com.