Horace Burton Edwards

Horace B. Edwards died peacefully in his sleep March 29, 2022, in Topeka Kansas. He was 96 years old. He is survived by his wife Fran, daughter Adrienne, sons Paul, Toussaint, and Michael; three stepsons Scott, Brian, and Jeffrey; eleven grandchildren Paul J, Nia, Christopher, Rose, Brittney, Shane, Sydney, Emma, Charleigh, Carson, and Torbjen. Horace was formerly married to Patsy Carter, and she also survives, as well as a dear childhood friend, John Paul.

Horace Burton Edwards was born to Burton Edwards and Alabama (Bryant) Edwards May 20, 1925, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After High School graduation, he escaped to Detroit to enroll at Wayne State University and work three jobs. One job was as a mail carrier, and he delivered his own draft notice shortly after turning 18 years old. As a motor mechanic, he was tested into an early program to integrate the Armed Forces. After being sent to New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin schools for ROTC training, he earned a BS degree in Naval Science at Marquette University.

Following active duty as a Lieutenant, jg, in WW Il, he earned another BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette. He started married life, began a family, and worked in Systems Engineering first at Allis Chalmers, then General Motors, Conrac Corp. and Northrop Corp, Having relocated to California, he left his work in missile guidance systems when he realized they were designing lethal weapons that could target civilians.

He was then hired by Atlantic Richfield, staying for 19 years, and rising to the position of VP of Planning and Control for ARCO Transportation Company, and earning an MBA from IONA. In 1980, he was appointed President and CEO of ARCO Pipeline in Independence, Kansas. There he took the company to the Fortune 500 list, and fostered leadership and the arts in the community. He was also granted two honorary doctorate degrees from Texas Southern University and Stillman College, and in 1984 received Marquette's Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award.

After retiring in 1986, he was tapped to join newly-elected Governor Mike Hayden's Cabinet as Secretary of Transportation for the state of Kansas. While holding positions of leadership in local, state, and national organizations, from Junior Achievement to Science and Transportation boards, he directed the design and passage of the Comprehensive Highway Program. Kansans benefited from jobs, enhanced safety, and more efficient travel. He also structured the financial plan to fund the program.

Following retirement in 1991, Horace created an engineering consulting firm like no other. He used his technical, financial, and management skills to employ and promote minority engineers in high-profile projects. He sold the company to his employees in 2003.

Horace's work life spanned more than 75 years and included 3 retirements, which often sparked disbelief and wonder. He said the biggest barriers in his life were always people's preconceived notions grounded in racial prejudice. Wherever he lived and worked, Horace mentored students of all ages. He was a natural designer, strategist, and futurist. His passion for education and the arts, especially jazz and classical music, meant "never a dull moment" around him.

His intellect for "connecting the dots" and problem-solving, combined with genuine curiosity, humor, and kindness, will continue to inspire the many lives he touched.