ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Fred Edwards 77 years old , born on February 12, 1943 and passed away on April 13, 2020. We will remember him forever.
 
Freddie Allen Edwards
Butch - Flex
1943-2020

Freddie Allen Edwards #37 with the University of Texas and #35 with the Donna Redskins.  Butch or Flex left this world to begin his new journey with his Lord on April 13, 2020.

Remaining to cherish his memory, Fred is survived by his wife, Lisa Edwards, of Paige, TX; his ex-wife, Ida Edwards of Austin; his daughter, Traci Lynn Edwards of New York City; stepson Michael Wayne Johnson and wife Bee Gee of Austin; sister, Linda Jo Edwards of Bryan, TX, who watched over him daily; brother, Art Edwards, and wife Carleen of Florida; 6 grandchildren – Joshua Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Joseph Johnson, and Mary Jane Johnson of Austin; niece Dr. Brenda Kocman and husband Michael, along with daughter Denae of Bryan, TX; nephews Arthur Kaml of Bryan, TX, and Keith and Carl Edwards of Florida.

Due to our present situation with social distancing, there are no plans for a memorial service at this time.  Fred made previous arrangements for his body to be donated for research purposes to the University of Texas Health Center.  He had been battling with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) for a while.  It is a neurodegenerative disease caused by head injuries.

We would like to thank all who visited and comforted Fred and helped to give meaning to his life during his last few years.

Fred’s hometown was Donna, TX, where he was on state winning teams for both football and baseball.  He graduated from Donna High School in 1962.

Fred earned a full football scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin, where he played on the winning 1963 National Championship Football Team against Navy; played on the winning 1965 Orange Bowl team against Alabama’s Joe Namath (goal line stand to beat them); and was chosen the Most Valuable Lineman in the winning 1966 Bluebonnet Bowl playing against Ole Miss.

The film industry is making a movie named “Miracle of Donna” about the lives of the Donna football players and how a player went from winning state in high school to winning the national college football title.

After University of Texas football, Fred was drafted by the San Antonio Toros semi-pro football team, and he moved to San Antonio.

After football, Fred returned to Austin and worked for the State of Texas as a tax examiner.  Fred retired in 2004, after which he picked up golf and TV.

Now for Fred’s Favorite “Hymn”: 

"The Eyes of Texas are upon you, ‘til Gabriel blows his horn.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you, all the livelong day.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you, you cannot get away.
Do not think you can escape them, at night or early in the morn –
The Eyes of Texas are upon you, ‘til Gabriel blows his horn."
Everybody loved Fred.  He never met a stranger, he could always give you a good laugh, and needless to say, he loved and lived UT Football!

The family would like to THANK the staff at The Grace Place of  Bryan, Texas, that watched over Fred in the end.  Please contribute stories & tributes to honor him as well as videos and photos....... to remind us all what a beautiful gift we had having him in our lives.
Fred's Loved Ones
June 4, 2023
June 4, 2023
Dad.. I miss you every day, but it is crazy...I feel you with me every day too.... All of my love. Your baby, Traci
February 12, 2022
February 12, 2022
I love you dad and think about you every day especially today!!!! Happy Birthday and u r forever remembered
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
My Dear Dad.... I love you and miss you :(
Happy Birthday.........today....
Love you with all my heart.

July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
What a beautiful tribute, Traci, written with so much love. Our paths have only recently crossed, but it's so clear to see what an impact your father had on your life -- and what a remarkable relationship you had with him. That is absolutely priceless, and nothing can diminish that. He will be in your heart always.
Amelia and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Sending hugs and deepest sympathy,
Lyssa
July 19, 2020
July 19, 2020
Traci...we didn't know your dad but since children are often a reflection of our parents, he must have been an awesome guy because our entire family thinks the world of you. His accomplishments on and off the field were amazing to read about, the biggest one being the love he shared with his family and friends. Condolences to you and your family but may he rest in peace.

Regards,

Bill, Sandi, Olivia, Sophia and Lulu
July 18, 2020
July 18, 2020
Dear Traci,
Caroline, Louisa, and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The girls' grandfather was also a Longhorn football player from Austin and Bryan. What a life well-lived! I look forward to watching the movie about the Donna football players.
We are very sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Fondly,
Holly, Caroline and Louisa Hunt
May 6, 2020
May 6, 2020
I played high school football at Mission Tx. and then at the University of Texas from 69-72.
Being from Mission, Donna was our biggest rival and although Freddy was older than me I knew about his reputation as a football player. At Texas I heard more stories about Freddy and Tommy Nobis. A lot of people at Texas thought Freddy was a better linebacker than Nobis.
A few years ago, at Coach Royal's 80 birthday party at DKR in Austin, I finally got to meet Freddy. It was such a honor. My wife and I had a great time talking with Freddy, about football in the Rio Grande Valley, Mission Eagles vs. Donna Redskins and of course UT football. Meeting and spending time with Freddie was the highlight of the night.
Freddie is a great example of why I am so proud to be able to say, I was a University of Texas Football Player.
I am sure Coach Royal has found Freddy up in heaven, patted him on the butt and said " Great Game Freddy, life well lived, go take a rest, you have earned it!"
Hook em Horns!
Lee G Lyles #59
May 6, 2020
May 6, 2020
Sending the Edwards Family our sincerest condolences on behalf of the Fabian "Outlaw" Barrera #81 family. May the Perpetual Light shine upon him and rest in peace ❤
Maria Elena Barrera - wife
Children
Linda Estrada
Fabian Barrera Jr.
Roberta Meza
Veronica Barrera
April 29, 2020
April 29, 2020
I never met him but as a UT graduate and fan I will offer prayers for peace for your family and loved ones. I remember when Donna and Quanah played for the state championship. Looks like he will be re-united with DKR and other teammates. Hook' em!
April 24, 2020
April 24, 2020
You are the love of my life, taught me so many things about people, living, work ethic, attitude, sports, peace, relaxation, love, commitment, support, dedication and pure joy. Thanks for all those weekends we had together just you & me and the vacations on the beach in South Padre just you and me. I thank your dad for putting me first in your life; always being there for me. I really never thought this day would never come I thought you would live forever. I just felt like nothing could stop you, dad. You changed so many peoples lives, you made so many people laugh; you made me laugh all the time..... I loved your hugs; I loved just sitting there with you because I know the depth of your love for me & the depths of your commitment to me- to help me grow into a beautiful woman. To make you proud of me. I hope I’ve made you proud ... I will forever miss you ..... you’re my everything.

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Recent Tributes
June 4, 2023
June 4, 2023
Dad.. I miss you every day, but it is crazy...I feel you with me every day too.... All of my love. Your baby, Traci
February 12, 2022
February 12, 2022
I love you dad and think about you every day especially today!!!! Happy Birthday and u r forever remembered
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
My Dear Dad.... I love you and miss you :(
Happy Birthday.........today....
Love you with all my heart.

Recent stories

South Padre Island-Vacation Destination

April 24, 2020
Ever since I can remember, dad would always take me to South Padre Island for two weeks in the summer so it was just him and I on vacation. Those are such great memories. I’d go see all of my family on my dad side Bobby Jack, Patsy, Aunt Linda Jo, & Everyone. We would always stay at outdoor resorts which was like a mobile home resort where we rented an RV & we had a pool. Actually that was the latter part of the times we used to go.  The very beginning’s we would stay in these old concrete little huts right near the beach..... it was awesome. You could smell the salt, feel the wind, it was cool then hot.  You could see the sunrises & sunsets & would be the only people on the beach.  Dad and I would go and  look for shells.  I found so many stand dollars when I used to go to the beach.  Now, you can’t find any of them. We go to his old hometown Mercedes and Donna and see everything.  We used to visit grandma & grandpa when they were alive  And Uncle Carl And Aunt Carline.  I always look forward to going to the beach with dad I think that’s why I love love love love the beach. I really miss those times. But what me laugh about dad, is he always wore his Texas Flag Speedo and let me tell you he was always fit (He would tell you he was good looking).  I miss him.  My dad was the bravest man I’ve ever known, the funniest man I’ve ever known, the most loving man I’ve ever known, the most handsome man I’ve ever known and the best father there will ever be. There’s a hole in my heart I could never fill.  It is all his. Dad , I have so many memories of you, I have so much love for you I wish I could see you again and hear you tell me “I love you baby“.

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