NORWAY – Maurice Channing Edwards Sr., 78, of Poland, died Thursday, Jan. 17, at Stephens Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Poland on Nov. 18, 1929, the son of Beatrice Edwards. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Lloyd Thompson. He attended school in Mechanic Falls and had been a self-employed woodsman all of his life.

He married Avis Evelyn Verrill on April 5, 1948. He was a member of the Nazarene Church of Mechanic Falls. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of Poland; five sons, Dale Verrill and wife, Barbara, of South Paris, Hebert Edwards and wife, Juanita, of Poland, Maurice Edwards Jr. and wife, Debra, of Otisfield, Mark Edwards of Mechanic Falls and Wayne Edwards and wife, Heather, of Otisfield; a daughter-in-law, Jenny Edwards of Poland; 26 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; a brother, Fairfield Thompson of South Paris; and a niece and a nephew.

He was predeceased by his parents; two sons, Irwin Edwards and Sidney Edwards; and a brother, Lowell Thompson.