John Ryland Edwards

John Ryland Edwards of Bella Vista passed away on Saturday, October 19 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. He was born in Lexington, MO on September 29, 1931, son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Lankford) Edwards. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. John graduated from Wentworth Military Academy and the University of Missouri. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 20 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. While stationed in Washington DC, John was Director of the Armed Forces Professional Entertainment Office scheduling USO shows for all Armed Forces Overseas and Department of Defense Project Officer for 1972 Bob Hope Christmas Show. In 1973 he was the Army Project Officer for the presidential reception honoring returning Vietnam Prisoners of War. Director of US Army Sports Program coordinating and supervising all phases of the Army Sports Program including inter-service, national and international. He was Officer-In-Charge, US Armed Forces basketball team participating in the Council International Sports Militere (CISM) competition held in Greece. He was the Army representative to the 1976 Olympics serving on the boxing, basketball and wrestling Olympic committees. Also in 1976 the Chief of Delegation for the US Boxing team participating in matches held in Poland. John received the following awards during his military career: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retirement from the Army, he returned to Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo. where he served for 22 years as Athletic Director, Operations Officer and Superintendent. In 2000, John and Marilou moved to Bella Vista to work on his golf game. He became active in the Bella Vista/Bentonville Noon Lions Club, numerous church activities and committees. In 2003 he was elected to the Gravette School District Board of Directors where he served for 15 years. In 2015 John received the Dr, Daniel Pilkinton Award for outstanding service to public education for the State of Arkansas. As a school board member he was instrumental in developing the Annual Gravette Golf Tournament which supported school groups and activities. He helped develop a fund for children in need and served on The Bright Futures/Gravette Administrated Board. He created a handicap accessible garden area for the Middle School students with special-needs. John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilou; three children, Susan, Robesonia, Pa.; Russel (Sue) of Old Hickory, Ark. and Douglas (Jenny) of Olathe, Kan.; four grandchildren; Clint, Kelsey, Jacob and Delaney and three great-grandchildren One sister, Mary Lou Lieneke of Wellington, Mo. and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held at Highlands United Methodist Church, 371 Glasgow Road, Bella Vista on Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Highlands United Methodist Men (Hummers), 371 Glasgow Road, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715 or Wentworth Military Academy Museum, 1128 Main Street, Lexington, Mo. 64067. Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home of Rogers is handling the arrangements.