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Lawrence “Dale” Edwards Sr.
Co-founder of KadeeR
February 1921 –September 2014
Tribute To Dale Edwards
Lawrence Dale Edwards, 93, passed away on Sept 19, 2014. Dale and his twin brother, Clarence Keith Edwards were born on Feb 10th, 1921 in Chewelah, Washington, the last of five children of Albert E. and Vera Bernice (Teeter) Edwards.
Dale spent his early years in Washington, Oregon, and California. He and his twin were constant companions and shared a love of trains. In 1942, Dale enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was accepted into the pilot training program. After discharge he and his twin re-located to Spokane Washington to be with their parents. Together they started their own tool and die business. It was here that they made their first model railroad coupler. It was at this time he met his future wife, Grace Ida Hanke. They were married on April 16, 1948.
The twins moved the Edwards Mold and Die Company to Los Angeles in 1950. There they continued to manufacture tool and dies along with working on a new idea for a realistic coupler for the railroad hobbyist. When a patent was issued on this idea, many new products and ideas came about. Dale loved working with his hands and inventing things. He was always looking at something and trying to figure out how to make it better. After living in California for 5 years, the twins decided they wanted a quieter and better place to live. So they moved the business and Dale his family to Medford where he has lived since. The business was re-named to Kadee Quality Products and blossomed into a leading manufacturer of parts and accessories for the adult model railroader. Later N gauge box cars were added to the products with realism being the outstanding quality. Dale was a stickler for accuracy and it showed in his work.
After 35 years together, the twins split the business and Dale moved (Kadee) his portion to White City where it is today. The business specializes in couplers & accessories Hon3 through G scale and HO model trains. With a sharp and active mind, Dale continued to be involved with the business until shortly before his death.
Dale is survived by his 5 children; Lawrence D. Edwards, Jr, Central Point; Hans and Jackie Stangier; Albany; Dennis and Bonnie Harvey, Maple Valley, Washington; Alan and Melinda Vezzani, Medford; Douglas and Ronda Edwards, Rathdrum, Idaho, and 6 grandchildren. His wife Grace of 60 years preceded him in death.
Dale was a Past Master of the Medford Masonic Lodge #103. His was one of the original founders of the Medford Railroad Park. As his children grew up, his idea of the perfect vacation was taking them to the Train Park in Molalla, Oregon to ride the trains. He owned several live steam locomotives and was happiest when rolling the rails with smoke in his eyes.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday October 5th, 2014 at the Medford Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 1900 Greenwood St, Medford, OR.
All who knew Dale are invited.
A celebration of Dale's love of trains & life an open house will be held at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday October 17th, 2014 at the Medford Railroad Park on 799 Berrydale Ave, Medford, OR. off of Table Rock Rd.
All who knew Dale are invited.
