Michael Joel Edwards

Michael Joel Edwards, Michael Joel Edwards, loving referred to as “Mike was a devoted father, husband, and community member, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was known for his strong faith, quick wit, and the warmth he brought to everyone who knew him. Mike was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 26, 1942, to David and Louise Edwards. He graduated from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, before attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he met the love of his life, Sharen Crandall. The two were married on June 30, 1963, and eventually settled in Carmel, Indiana, where they built a life and raised their family. Mike was a loyal member of New Hope Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the church choir as the bass man of the “Back Row Boys.” He built a successful career in the automotive industry as an F&I professional, where his gift for conversation and natural leadership made him both a respected sales leader and mentor to many. He was also a coach for many years with the Carmel Dad’s Club, a community volunteer, and a passionate supporter of Indiana University athletics. Among his many remarkable accomplishments, Mike was proud to be both a volunteer and the longest-surviving bone marrow recipient associated with the National Bone Marrow Association, a testament to both modern medicine and his incredible resilience. Those who knew Mike best remember his larger-than-life personality. He loved a good debate and was rarely shy about sharing his opinion—though he was always convinced he was right. At the same time, he had a playful and goofy side that brought laughter to family gatherings and long car rides alike. Some of his children’s favorite memories include family sing-alongs on trips to Bloomington to visit grandparents, often led by Mike’s deep baritone voice from the front seat. Whether singing classic country songs or a mash-up of old novelty tunes, he made sure the ride was never quiet for long. Mike also had a unique way of offering life advice. His sayings and humor helped family members keep perspective, focus on what mattered most, and not worry about the things they could not control. Above all, Mike will be remembered for the love he had for his family and the lessons he passed along about enjoying the journey of life. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharen Edwards; his children, Tina Alderson and her Husband John, J.D. Edwards and his wife J’Lynn; sister, Cheryl Murphy and her husband Randy; brother, Greg Edwards; grandchildren, Lauren Verhoff and her husband Travis, Kayla Wells and her husband Jordan, Hannah Edwards, Jack Edwards and his wife Bri, Luke Edwards, and Delaney Benner; great-grandchildren, Carter Verhoff and Gwen Edwards, along with extended family and many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 12550 Brooks School Road, Fishers, Indiana, on Wednesday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The National Bone Marrow Association https://giving.nmdp.org/campaign/601169/donate?currency=USD&c_src=main_give_nav&c_src2=nmdp_org&_gl=1*iey58j*_gcl_au*MjEzOTgyOTU2OC4xNzczMTg3MjA5*_ga*MTI4NzU2MzEuMTc3MzE4NzIxMA..*_ga_6VM6CH82YM*czE3NzMyNDkyMzYkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzMyNDk1MTMkajYwJGwwJGgw Or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://bloodcancerunited.org/?campaign=390400 Mike’s family encourages everyone who knew him to remember his favorite reminders about life: enjoy the moment, don’t worry about what you cannot control, appreciate the ride… and when the road gets quiet, start a sing-along.

Tributes

Michael Joel Edwards

March 26, 1942 - March 8, 2026