Carnie "Chilly" Dexter Edwards

Carnie “Chilly” Edwards, age 91 of Marion, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at Marion General Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Carnie was born on July 11, 1934 to the late William Edwards and Minnie Crump in Kilbourne, Ohio. On December 13, 1952, he married Vivian ‘Kathleen” Bailey in Ashley, Ohio. Carnie was a lifelong member of the Fair Park Community Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, sang and played guitar in the Men’s Quartet “The Fair Park Four”, was active in the Men’s Fellowship Group and many other activities around the church. He was a Grinder for the Marion Power Shovel for 45 years and coached Little League & Camp; Bronco League Teams for Marion Baseball for Boys that later became Marion Baseball for Youth for 40 years and won several City Championships. He was also a big Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fan and always hoped the Browns would make it to the Super Bowl one day. Coming from a very musical family, Carnie or “Chilly” as musicians knew him, played the Steel Guitar for many years. He and his brothers formed a band in the early 1960’s known as the “Dude Ranch Boys” with his brother Larry singing Lead, his brother Foryst “Rosebud” playing Bass, Chilly playing the Steel and providing harmonies as well and a distant cousin, Jack Kerwood playing the Fiddle. They played many venues around Ohio, including the Ohio Jamboree, Local Jamboree’s, Eagles, American Legions, Elks, VFW’s and many County Stars from the Grand Ole Opry. They played for various amateur shows, radio gigs for the fair, and at dances. The band had the honor to play Staff Band for many artists such as Porter Wagner, Faron Young, Ray Price, Tex Ritter and Ernest Tubb as well as recording many records in Nashville. They were featured weekly on the Midwestern Hayride on WMNI Radio out of Columbus, Ohio. Later, Carnie “Chilly” played with the Band “Midnight Special” for several more years until the mid 80’s One of his most favorite pastimes was fishing with his family and friends especially when fishing for Catfish or Northern Pike. Carnie loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much and always loved visiting with them.

Carnie was preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Vivian “Kathleen”; his parents, his siblings, brothers Foryst Edwards, Larry Edwards, sisters, Bonnie Graybill and Violet Bays.
Those who will cherish his memories include his children; Brenda Hartley of Marion, Ohio, Michael Edwards of Grove City, Ohio and David (Debra) Edwards of Marion, Ohio; also numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren .

The family would like to thank Marion General Hospital for their outstanding care and support
during a most difficult time.  The ICU Staff and 3rd Floor East Nursing Staff. Their kindness, guidance and support during the last few weeks was outstanding. 

Friends and family may come to honor Carnie’s “Chilly” life on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Viewing will be from 1pm to 3pm with a Service at 3pm at Fair Park Community Baptist Church, 940 Bermuda Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302.

Donations may be given in Carnie’s memory to the Fairpark Community Baptist Church. 

 The family would like to thank Boyd Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time.

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