John Paul Edmonds

John Paul Edmonds, affectionately known as "Big John", 60, of East Leroy, MI died on April 11, 2021 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, MI, following an untimely and tragic illness. He was a complete warrior up to the end of his battle with Covid induced pneumonia. John was born on May 14, 1960 in Battle Creek, MI to parents Johnny and Eleanor Johnson Edmonds. He grew up in Battle Creek and Alabama. He lived over 20 years in Tekonsha, before moving back to the Battle Creek area.

John grew up working on the farm for local farmers when he was a teenager, and valued the reality and concept of hard work, and attributed his strong work ethics to those formative years. His love for food stemmed from learning how to cook early on, and he was hands down the best breakfast cook! After settling down and establishing his family, he worked for Barker Manufacturing for 18 years. Later he spent time working for Katz Well Drilling, Flex N Gate, and EPI. He ended his working career driving "The Big Rig".

Big John was a man of simplicity, with a big heart and loved to have a good time. In his younger years he was often the life of the party, entertaining and enjoying the company of friends. Throughout the years he was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting pheasants and fishing with his sons. John was a nature enthusiast and especially enjoyed watching the deer, turkeys, listening to cranes on the back porch, and watching the bald eagles fly over the house.

While entertaining with his friends, John met the love of his life, Naomi, in the fall of 1995. After four months of dating, they were united in marriage, and spent 25 years together. He was always proud to know that he could prove his friends wrong, when they said it would never last.

John was a loving husband and dedicated father, who had a passion for family involvement. Watching his older children grow up, he spent years enjoying his team, "Edmonds Family Racing". Many years were spent racing motorcycles, then he moved the children into racing go-carts. John's generosity was overflowing, and he had a love of helping children live their dreams. He would offer his extra go-carts to other children, just so they could feel the spirit of success, and enjoy recreational activities they could remember for the rest of their lives. He also enjoyed coaching his daughter's softball team in middle school. After the older children grew up, John was blessed with another son, who brought back childhood memories through sports activities. Many summers were spent at baseball games, until transitioning into middle school. The entire final four years of high school consisted of attending meets every week and weekend throughout the entire school year. He grew passionate watching his younger son wrestle, participate in track and football. He loved his family above all, and spending time with his grandchildren every chance he could get.

John enjoyed traveling, and spent many vacations in Alabama; his love for driving took him across many states. He was an aficionado of afternoon naps and evenings watching Nascar, WWE wrestling, and going to watch his eldest son race at the local tracks. He found great joy in cooking and there was "Nothing Better" than grilling out with a big fat juicy steak and potato. He loved his animals, even the stray "Cat", who he affectionately bonded with. His dogs held a special place in his heart throughout his life, and even the chickens he loved in secret.

John will be dearly missed by family, friends, and all those who knew him.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel", ~Maya Angelou~

A very special thank you to Mason Bowers of Oaklawn Hospital. Thank you for being his friend when his family could not be with him; you held a very special place in his heart.

John is survived by his wife, Naomi Edmonds; children, Christina Edmonds of Battle Creek, John Matthew (Cassie Hill) Edmonds of Battle Creek, and Joseph Edmonds of East Leroy; five grandchildren, Jayden, Brianna, Paige, Jase, and Ryan; his Mother, Eleanor Edmonds; a brother, Bob (Jody) Edmonds; nieces and a nephew; a great-niece, Ashley Burghdoff. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Edmonds; and his sister, Tina Marie Mosley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC Alliance), in the hopes of increased awareness and FDA/NIH approved use of Ivermectin in the prevention and treatment of Covid in the U.S. Please visit https://covid19criticalcare.com

Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, MI 49068. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the funeral home. Minister Rita Hollowell and Apostle Jean Smith will officiate the funeral service, with a graveside ceremony to follow in Oak Hill cemetery. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book or leave messages for the family.