SANTO - Bobby Joe Edwards, 86, was called home by God on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Funeral Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Santo in the old Sanctuary. Interment: Bosley Cemetery, Santo. Memorials: Donations may be made in Bobby’s memory to the Spina Bifida Foundation. Bobby was born November 23, 1934, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, son of Leonard and Bessie Edwards. He gave his heart to Christ at the age of 15 under the witness of Al Hand, pastor of First Baptist Church of Santo. Bobby served in this church for 66 years. He served as a Deacon for 59 years and taught Sunday School for 48 years. Bobby directed music full time for 17 years and then as interim for 32 years, totaling 49 years. He has preached four funerals and gave the eulogy for his best friend, Garth Porter. Bobby has witnessed to and led several people to the Lord. He had the privilege of baptizing Cody and Kayla Edwards. Bobby was a wonderful husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a faithful servant to the Lord. Bobby was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leonard and Bessie Edwards; brother-in-law, James Edward Marsden; and sister-in-law, Shirley Chesnut Edwards. He is survived by his wife, Emelie Butler Edwards; three sons, Leonard Edwards and his wife, René, Mark Edwards and his wife, Ramie, and Joe Edwards; seven grandchildren, Cody Edwards, Rachel Hopkins and her husband, JP, Alicia Dudley and her husband, Joseph, Ashley Edwards and fiance, Matt Mozek, Markus Edwards, Casey Edwards and his wife, Cheyenne, Jessica Huffman and her husband, Scott; nine great-grandchildren, Carson Dudley, Case, Chloe, and Carys Edwards, Harlo Huffman, Skylar Brouke, Aiden, Brynlee and Braelyn Hopkins; brother, Tommy Edwards; sister, Janet Edwards Marsden; and many other treasured family and friends.