Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Edwards

STERLING – Nathaniel “Nate” Edwards, 43, of Sterling, died Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

He was born June 3, 1974, in Chicago, to Nathaniel and Alfredia Edwards.

Nate enjoyed playing basketball and watching UFC Kick Boxing on TV. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls. Nate loved wrestling with his boys and his dad. He loved telling stories and jokes, and was a very outgoing person. He loved helping people and was a good problem solver. Nate loved people from all walks of life and always left a good impression on those he met. He adored his children and grandchildren and they meant the world to him. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, and friend.

He is survived by his children, Annie Mae Agnew of Chicago, Marcellous Watkins of Chicago, Nayshawn Edwards of Chicago, Nakeishia Edwards of St. Paul, Minnesota, NayIesha Edwards of Sterling, NayKahil Edwards of Sterling, NayTrion Edwards of Sterling, NayKeon Edwards of Sterling, and Tracy Edwards of Freeport; his parents, Nathaniel and Alfredia Edwards of Chicago; a sister, Early Mae (Aaron) Ruff of Glendale Heights; and his grandchildren, Nathaniel, Nathan, Allan, Drake, Nayshawn Jr., Zailey Rae, and Jayden.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday at First Church of the Nazarene in Sterling, with Envoy De Shawn Johnson, chaplain of the Salvation Army, officiating. Cremation rites will follow the service. McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.