Obituaries for the week of 3/21/17

David Henry Edwards

David was born to Jim and Florence Edwards on July 31, 1955 in Oroville, California. David was the ninth of 11 children. He spent his childhood in Oroville and surrounding areas. At the young age of 17, he began his 33 years at Collins Pine Company. David worked hard his entire life to provide for his family.

He married his lifelong companion and best friend Valerie on May 16, 1975. Together they raised five daughters in Susanville, California, Sherrie, Angie, Sheila, Luwana and Darlene. Sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren followed.

David was a kind and humble man. His family was always his priority and he always made sure his wife and kids were taken care of. David enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, and he was all of their biggest fans. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he was theirs. He will be deeply missed.

David Henry Edwards: July 31, 1955 to March 10, 2017.

David was preceded in death by father, Eugene Edwards; mother, Florence Edwards; brothers, Eugene Edwards, Tommy Edwards, James L. Edwards, Sampson C. Edwards, Jesse H. Edwards and William B. Edwards; sisters, Florence Edwards and Anna A. Edwards-Gracia; daughter, Luwana Jack; grandson, Gregory Suke; and granddaughter, Melinda Jack.

David is survived by wife, Valerie Edwards; daughters, Sherrie Edwards, Angie Edwards, Sheila Edwards and Darlene Jack; 14 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A wake was held on at 5 p.m. March 17, 2017 at his home in Susanville. A service was held at 11 a.m. March 18, 2017 at the Reaching Nations for Christ Church in Susanville. David will be laid to rest at the Diamond Crest Cemetery, Susanville.

William Robert Knox

William Robert Knox was born in Portola, California, Sept. 30, 1937 to Clifford Knox and Ethel Knox-Osterman. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Feb. 20.

William was one of four children, Ilda Davis, Alice Knox, Patricia Worthen and brother-in-law, George Worthen, and several nephews and nieces.

William went to high school in Bakersfield, California. In 1955 he enlisted into the Navy and served for 12 years, five months. William continued his civil service career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Valleho, California, as a federal security officer until 1990 when he transferred to Herlong, where he retired in 1994.

In January 1972, after working a long night, he went into Sambóo restaurant and met the love of his life, a waitress by the name of Deborah Wade. They were married Sept. 22, 1972, which was a miracle due to it being deer season.

Later they had two daughters, Cheryl Knox-Bogard and Julie Knox William had six grandchildren, Brandon Knox, Robin Smith, Daniel Knox, Courtney Bogard, Amy Bogard and Kaylei Knox.

William volunteered with the department of fish and game dedicated 30 years as a hunter safety instructor. He loved teaching all he taught to be safe and responsible hunters.

In William’s spare time, he enjoyed reloading bullets in the garage with his youngest granddaughter, Kaylei Knox. We enjoyed building buggies with his friends and riding in the Susanville buggie club. William loved to go hunting and fishing with his family and friends, and to William there was nothing better than to be in the great outdoors.

William’s greatest love was to be with his wife, Deborah, his children and grandchildren.

William loved his family, friends and church family very much.

William will forever be in our hearts and will be loved and missed by all.

Albert Lopez

Albert Lopez, born on July 30, 1940 in Susanville, California, passed away March 7, 2017 in Orange County, California. Albert graduated from Lassen High with the class of 1958 where he played multiple sports.

Albert was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Albert, son of Jesus and Trina Lopez, moved to Orange County after serving in the Marine Corp in 1962. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and taking road trips to Susanville in Northern California and Oregon. His passion was attending to his bonsai collection and sharing his life adventures with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Dawne; his sister, Angie; his godchildren, Anthony and Star; grandchildren, Blake, Tyler, Devynn, Brenna and Phoenix.

Service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 25 at the Westminster Memorial Park in Orange County. Graveside service will be held at the Westwood Cemetery (TBA). Graveside will be handled by Fehrman’s Mortuary when weather permits.

Robert Shirts

In remembrance

Robert “Bob” Shirts passed away March 21, 2016 at Renown in Reno, Nevada, following surgery due to a complication of cancer treatment.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Kerry; grandson, Dayne; son-in-law, Mason, all of Reno; and sister, Patricia Brock, of Crestline, California.

He was born in Wall, South Dakota on Nov. 24, 1941.

He was preceded in death by twin brother, Richard; and parents, William and Rachel.

Bob enjoyed his 5 acres in Janesville along with his artwork, backpacking, fishing, gardening and riding his Yamaha.

A sincere note of appreciation for family and friends who attended in many untold ways their kind support in our loss.

You are dearly missed, my Robert M.