Pastor Darren Lee Edwards

With deep sorrow but steadfast hope in Christ, we announce that Pastor Darren Lee Edwards, 63, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 26, 2025, in Rice, Wash.

Darren was born on May 12, 1962, in Petaluma, Calif., to Terry Jean Smith and Gene Mervin Edwards. He had a strong love for baseball and his grandma’s home cookin’ in his childhood. Throughout the years, he loved riding motorcycles, hard work, family gatherings, fishing, dancing, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus. He will always be remembered for his joyful smile, brilliant mind, talented hands, witty sense of humor, and his genuine love for people.

He met his beloved wife, Corinne Crystal Parker, at just 16 years old, and it was love at first sight. They were united in marriage on August 29, 1981 in Hopland, Calif. Together, they were blessed with four daughters – Amie, Amber, Aleah, and Atasha – and 12 grandchildren. Darren was a devoted husband and father who worked hard to provide for his family and create lasting memories. In 1992, Darren and Crystal moved their family to Washington state, seeking new opportunities in a rural area. They raised their children in Chewelah, Wash.

Darren was a gifted craftsman who, as Crystal lovingly recalls, “seemed to know how to do everything.” God gave him a rare gift for working with his hands. Whether building, repairing, or creating, he could always find a way to make things work, and he generously used those talents to bless his family, church congregation, and community members. He built an impressive custom scribed log house for his family. He designed and crafted log furniture as a business, and he could fabricate any item needed for a job. He also had an incredible administrative talent and knew how to call upon the help and gifts of others when striving for a goal.

On April 6, 2012, Darren surrendered his life to Christ. Through suffering and hardship, God called him to his created purpose – to love and glorify God and serve others through his gifts. He hastily began a motorcycle ministry called Son Riders. The ministry reached people from all walks of life with the hope and power of the Gospel. When a need arose at Rice Christian Fellowship, Darren faithfully drove an hour each way to serve as guest pastor. Eventually, God called him to serve as a full-time pastor and shepherd in Rice, where he and Crystal settled. His congregation remembers his preaching as filled with passion, conviction, and always rooted in God’s Word. His faithfulness in serving Jesus was evident in all he did – counseling, preaching, helping neighbors in need, and even in simple conversations where he would often ask, “Do you know Jesus?” The stories are endless of how he touched lives with his kindness, intentionality, and love for both people and the Gospel. Though it is impossible to summarize Darren’s profound impact in just a few words, his legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Darren is survived by his wife, Corinne Crystal Edwards; his daughters, Amie (Cesar) Arguelles of Kelseyville, Calif., Amber (Samuel) Gould of Chewelah, Wash., Aleah (Brett) Thompson of Spokane Valley, Wash., and Atasha (Skyler) Colvin of Chewelah, Wash.; his brothers, Randall Loren Edwards, Chad Lee Everett Edwards, and Adam Troy Edwards; his sister, Rhonda Pearl Beckwith; along with his 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry Jean Smith and Gene Mervin Edwards; his brother, Troy Gene Edwards; his sister, Deborah Jean Chavez; and his grandparents, Harold Dale Smith, Edith Marie Smith, Everett A. Edwards, and Edna Pearl Canaday.

A memorial service and fellowship meal will be held for Darren and his loved ones on September 20, at 1 p.m. at Addy New Life Christian Center. A private graveside service will take place at Mt. View Cemetery in Rice, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that gifts be given to Crystal to assist with the building completion of their new log home. Finishing the home that Darren started will be a lasting tribute to his life and devotion. It will also greatly minister to Crystal’s grieving heart and provide for her during her loss. Donations can be made to Corinne Edwards via cash or check. Venmo and GoFundMe details are listed below as well. The family thanks you abundantly.

Though we grieve, we do so with the promise of Scripture: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)

P.O. Box 607 Chewelah, WA 99109

Venmo: @atashacolvin