A. Alvis Edmonson, 84, passed from this life Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, to be with the Lord. Funeral: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Hallmark Baptist Church, Fort Worth, with the Rev. Richard Boone and the Rev. F.R. White officiating. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Arlington Chapel. Alvis graduated from Empire High School in Duncan, Okla. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Alvis was called to preach while in the Air Force under the ministry of Dr. David Cavin of Fort Worth. Upon leaving the service, he entered Baptist Bible College of Springfield, Mo., and graduated in 1956. Alvis pastored four churches over a span of 41 years. The first was Noble Hill Baptist in Missouri while he attended BBC. The second was Hallmark Baptist Church of Fort Worth for a period of 20 years. The third was Tabernacle Baptist Church of Chicopee, Mass., for two years. The last pastorate was Arlington Baptist Temple in Arlington for 18 years after merging with New York Avenue Baptist. Since 1996 Alvis had been engaged in missionary evangelism, preaching all over the world. Literally millions of dollars have been raised for worldwide evangelism. Many young people have surrendered their lives to the Lord's work and are now attending Baptist Bible College of Springfield. Alvis and his wife, Joanna, had been married 29 years. Brother Edmonson and wife were happily serving the Lord as they traveled to meetings and counted each one a blessing as they saw souls saved, families getting involved in Faith Promise Mission Offerings and many giving their lives into His service. Brother Edmonson had been active in the Baptist Bible Fellowship International in which he served in most of the offices except president. He was also active in the local Red River Valley Fellowship that meets monthly. He traveled preaching Faith Promise Conferences, revivals, special days and pulpit supply. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; granddaughter, Cari Lang; brother, Wayne Edmonson; and an infant sister. Survivors: Wife, Joanna Edmonson; daughter, Dana Lang and husband, Jim; sons, Michael Edmonson and wife, Elizabeth, Bryan Edmonson and wife, Leigh; brother, Ray Edmonson and wife, Janell; sisters, Mary Bond and Doris McReynolds and husband, Ron; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.
Published in Star-Telegram on Jan. 20, 2016