Donald McMahan Edwards, 84, died on Aug. 11, 2026, in Oak Park. Born on Oct. 22, 1941, in Marshall, Kentucky, he was a true southern gentleman who leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and achievement.
As a youth, he achieved the distinguished honor of being the First Black Eagle Scout in Morristown, Tennessee. He graduated from Fisk University in Nashville in 1963, where he was both a scholar majoring in Math and Physics and an athlete, playing basketball. He joined the Alpha Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Throughout his life, he maintained a close and enduring relationship with his fraternity line brother, Marvin Childress (Heidi Ellison).
He enjoyed jogging, running, biking, playing tennis and working out at a local fitness facility. His annual self-imposed challenge: running around the perimeter of Oak Park on his birthday. He and Jean were active members of the Maywood Tennis Association and faithfully supported their summer youth tennis camp. In his role as tennis coach, he introduced his grandchildren to the sport. He volunteered as a tutor for elementary school students and mentored a youth serving as a “Big Brother.” He and Jean were members of First United Methodist Church of Oak Park.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Jamesena Edwards, and his older sister, Katherine (Edwards) McCloud (niece Rosie McCloud). He is survived by his wife, Jean Louise (Jones) Edwards; his brother-in-law, Charles Jones (Patricia Hardyman); his nephew Paul McCloud; and his niece Margreta (McCloud) Allen.
He was the father of Angelica (Curtiss I Cook) Edwards, and Jamie (Ali) Dixon; the grandfather of Curtiss Cook Jr., Isis Cook, Kimani Cook, Jade Cook, Harlem Cook, Osei Dixon, Omar Dixon; and his great-grandchildren, Mutumba Cook, Finley Cook, and Ivory Cook.
He possessed a smile and a full laugh that would light up any room. He was a dapper dresser who was often seen wearing his signature bow tie if the occasion arose. A man of profound kindness and integrity, his presence will be deeply missed.