Marcus Warren Edwards, 40, of Abilene, died March 26, 2010, at a local medical center.

Funeral services were March 31 at Beltway Baptist Church Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Kempner City Cemetery on April 1.

Mr. Edwards was born Jan. 12, 1970, in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, to Rufus Warren Edwards Sr. and Janet Kay Edwards.

He grew up in Lampasas and graduated from Lampasas High School.

Mr. Edwards earned a bachelor of science degree from Tarleton State University, a master of education and a master of arts from the University of Houston.

He was an advocate for people with disabilities.

Mr. Edwards was a member of Beltway Baptist Church and served on the board of Abilene Hope Haven.

While living in Houston, he also served on the city of Houston’s Council for People with Disabilities.

Mr. Edwards had been working with IntelliGEN AR, since 1994, first as a participant and later as a volunteer consultant. IntelliGEN AR is an organization that helps others who are paralyzed to regain their health and function.

Survivors include his wife, Lindsay Edwards; his mother; a sister, Cindi Evans and husband, Brandon, of Burnet; brother; Rufus Warren Edwards Jr. and wife, Michele, of Salado; and two nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

Donations may be made to the Marcus Edwards Memorial Fund at First Financial Bank in Abilene.

Arrangements by Piersall Funeral Directors of Abilene.