Westfield councilor Joe Edwards dies. Colleagues recall his passion for the community
Westfield city councilor, business owner and longtime civic stalwart Joe Edwards, who helped guide the city’s rapid growth, died Friday after a lengthy illness.
He was 83.
A lifelong Westfield resident, Edwards was finishing his second term on the council but was not running for re-election. He previously served on the Westfield town council from 1980 to 1991.
"Joe was a tireless proponent for Westfield,” Mayor Andy Cook said in a news release. “His passion for our community, advocacy for its residents, and relentless pursuit of progress have left a legacy that will continue to benefit future generations of Westfield residents.”
Edwards spent much of his professional career in business finance as owner of Edwards-Steele Financial Services until 2005. He attended Westfield schools and received a degree in business management from Butler University. He served on the board of the Quaker Hill Foundation and with the Westfield Lions Club from 1973-2013.
Mayor-elect Scott Willis, a current council member, said he often sought Edwards' tutoring in city matters.
“I always valued his opinions and will miss the advice and mentorship he gave me,” Willis said in the news release. “Joe Edwards served this nation and our city throughout his adult life. His deep passion for Westfield and our residents was evident in everything he did.”
City Council President Mike Johns said Edwards faced cancer with “incredible courage.”
“Joe was a thoughtful, humble public servant, trusted friend, and colleague. I will miss his wisdom, humor, and indomitable spirit,” Johns said.
Lantern Commons park to be named for Joe Edwards
City officials and a developer of a new mixed-use project, Lantern Commons, recently announced that a pocket park planned on the site will be named Joe Edwards Plaza. Edwards' grandparents owned the land when it was a farm.
“This piece of land is more than just a public park,” Johns said at the dedication. “As I think about the park, I don’t think of it as a gift to Joe. I think of it as a gift from Joe to future residents.”
Edwards said then that he was humbled by the gesture.
“I’m not sure I deserve this, but I am honored,” Edwards said. “My heart is in this city and this is where I will die. I will always think of Westfield with great fondness.”
Edwards was married to Jo Ann for 61 years. They have two children, six grandchildren 13 great grandchildren.
Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on X/Twitter @john_tuohy and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Westfield councilor Joe Edwards, who helped guide growth, dies
