Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewa Hall of Famer Edwards Passes Away
8/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 1, 2005
GRAND RAPIDS - Former Central Michigan University basketball player Don Edwards passed away on Saturday, July 30, at his home in Grand Rapids.
The 61-year-old was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus last fall.
Edwards was nicknamed "Animal" for his ferocious play and he led CMU to two Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. He was inducted into CMU's Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 1984 and had his No. 54 jersey retired by CMU in 2000.
Don started every varsity basketball game in his four years at CMU and he set 24 records in his senior season. Twice a team MVP and team captain, he held CMU's single season and career scoring records at the end of his playing career. In fact, he still ranks fifth on CMU's career scoring chart with 1,402 points and fourth on the rebounding list with 919, despite being just 6-1.
Edwards graduated from CMU in 1966 with a physical education degree. He was a collegiate football and basketball referee and a teacher at Grand Rapids Creston High School.
Edwards will be inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame later this month.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 2 at 5 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 330 Crescent St. NE. There will be viewing on Monday from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m., at the Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo SE. There will also be visitation on Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church prior to the service.
