DOVER - Donald Edwards Jr., of Dover, died Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. He was 81. He was born Sept. 23, 1929, in Ebensburg, Pa., to the late Donald Edwards, Sr. and Ester Putt Edwards. Mr. Edwards started his service career in the USAAC. After a short time home with his family he was sent to Guam where he stayed for a few months then shipped off to Japan to School on the C54 cargo plane. In 1949 he came back to the states and was discharged from the USAAC. After spending time with his family he then reenlisted with the USAF. After his 20 + year military career he worked for the State of Delaware as a DART mechanic and main supervisor for 10 years. He then drove a school bus for Chambers for 10 years retiring in 2006. Mr. Edwards was a member of the 20th Squadron Alumni Association, VFW #3238 in Camden/Wyoming, Walter L. Fox Post #2. He loved showing ponies at the Delaware State Fair, which he had done for 42 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Edwards; and daughter, Donna. He is survived by sons, Donald Edwards, III and his wife Kimberly of Dover, Kelly Edwards and his wife Joyce of Marydel; daughter, Connie Urian and her husband Tom of Dover; brother, Kenneth Edwards of Fairport, N.Y.; sister, Mildred Constas of Youngstown, Ohio; grandchildren, Bartos, Daniel, DJ, Jordan, Kyle, Danielle, Donna; great-grandchildren, Brandon and Barty; and his companion, Nellie Chandler. Graveside services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford Street, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.