Francis Edwards

Francis Edwards died peacefully at his home on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Francis was born on November 9, 1943 to Dale and Dorothy Edwards in Broadus. He graduated from Powder River County High School in 1962. He attended Montana State College for 4 years. In 1967 he married Diana McCurdy and they returned to the family ranch. Francis was very proud of his three sons who all graduated from Montana State. He was also proud of his family heritage, that his great grandfather and his three sons trailed 4000 head of sheep from Washington state to Powder River County in 1881. They are the 5th and 6th generation on the Edwards ranch, residing there since 1881.

Francis was a stubborn perfectionist and never left a job unfinished. He loved his sheep and his dogs, a favorite being his Border Collie, "Joe". He also liked playing cards and gambling – which every rancher does. He was determined to maintain his sheep, wool and hay at the highest standard and taught his children to have a good work ethic.

Francis is survived by his wife Diana, his sons Stephen (Sarah) their sons Alex and Archer Byrd of Broadus, Darren (Nichole) and their sons Miles and Dillon of Bozeman and Greg (Francesca) of Los Angeles, California. Francis is also survived by his sisters, Louise Alderman and Connie (Mitch) Hayes and brother John (Kathy).

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Dale and Dorothy Edwards and two brothers, Wade and Larry and sister Debby.

Special friends are Gerald Himelspach, Vic Phillippi, Jack Koss and Jim Koss.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall with a dinner and visiting afterwards. A close friend and minister, Jim Koss, will offer prayers and memories.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River Endowment Fund, c/o Kelda Page, PO Box 254, Broadus, MT 59317 or to the Broadus FFA Chapter, PO Box 500, Broadus, MT 59317.