Edwards, Oakley E.

Oakley E. Edwards was born on November 8, 1922 and passed away on May 17, 2008 at the Regency House in Alexandria.

Following his military service, Oakley Edwards attended college on the GI Bill. He graduated from Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He was the first college graduate in his family.

In 1954 Oakley completed his seminary training, moved to Louisiana and married Edith Childers. He served as the pastor of the St. Francisville Methodist Church from June 4, 1954 until May 31, 1956.

In 1956 Oakley enlisted as an officer in the US Air Force. He began serving as an Air Force Chaplain from June 1, 1956 until November 16, 1974. When he retired from the Air Force in 1974, he had reached the rank of major.

Oakley’s active ministry continued another 10 years in the Louisiana Annual Conference. He served the Wisner United Methodist Church from November 17, 1974 until May 31, 1984. While serving Wisner, he also served the Baskin Church from November 17, 1974 until May 31, 1979 and the Boeuf Prairie Church from June 1, 1979 until December 31, 1981. He officially retired from the Louisiana Conference June 1, 1984.

Oakley and Edith became a part of the Horseshoe Drive UMC in 1984. He continued to serve by filling in for other pastors when not participating in the congregational life at Horseshoe. For many years, Oakley was the monthly preacher for Horseshoe Drive sponsored services at the Regency House.