Neal Anthon Edwards, 68

Neal Anthon Edwards, 68, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Neal was born in Sandpoint on May 17, 1953, to Anthon and Ruth Edwards. Neal left this existence, surrounded by love, on November 5, 2021, in Sandpoint.

Neal was born into a large and loving family. He was a little brother to Doyal Edwards, Carl Edwards, Roger Edwards, and Larry Edwards. He was a big brother to LeRoy Edwards, Linda Edwards, Ronnie Edwards, Barbara Edwards O’Neil, and Robert Edwards. While growing up in Sandpoint, he delivered papers for the Spokesman Review, worked as a bottle sorter for Pepsi Cola in Coeur d’Alene, as a bagger at Harold’s IGA, made himself familiar with the local police with his teenage antics, and raised the hackles of many local fathers with his romantic pursuits.

Neal was part of Sandpoint High School’s Class of 1972. After high school, he followed his older brothers to California. While working for Fry’s Foods as an assistant manager, he met the mother of his two daughters, Darlene Edwards. Tish Edwards Mullen arrived in 1977, followed by Naomi Edwards Webb in 1979. Neal returned with his family to Sandpoint in 1989. Upon his return, Neal worked at Safeway as an inventory control clerk. Neal left Safeway to work for Bill Jones Distributors, where he worked for several years. In his later years, he worked for Schweitzer Mountain Utilities as a plow truck driver and for Lost Lakes Country Club as a groundskeeper.

Neal had an enduring love for the natural world and enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, including skiing, waterskiing, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, and gardening. Neal was also passionate about photography, computers, and was a knowledgeable handyman and mechanic. Neal was a lively, sharp-witted character, possessing a great sense of humor and a penchant for storytelling, swearing, and telling it straight. When you were with him, you were guaranteed an entertaining, if somewhat inappropriate, time. His spirited personality and kind heart, although usually hidden under a slightly gruff facade, will be remembered and missed by family and friends.

Above all, Neal cherished sharing his wisdom with young people, acting as a mentor, protector, and teacher. He was a father figure to his nephews, Glen “Eddie” Meacham, Michael Rollins, and Jeff Sausser, as well as to six foreign exchange students. Neal was like a grandfather to Jasmine Miller and Nick Miller. He cared for them deeply and they will dearly miss his presence in their lives. Neal has one grandson, Hucksley Mullen, and three step-grandchildren, Katelyn Fox, Cheyanne Webb, and Isaac Webb. Neal was an influential part of his extended family, with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, taken under his wing.

Neal did not want a funeral or traditional service, but he did ask that his family and friends gather together to celebrate his life in true “Neal-style.” In order to honor his wishes, a boisterous celebration of Neal’s life is being planned for summer 2022 in Sandpoint and all who have a story to share are welcome.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook, for Neal, at coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements have been made with Coffelt Funeral Service.