Dwight Edwards
July 29th, 1938 – December 29th, 2025
Dwight W. Edwards was born on July 29, 1938, and went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2025. He resided in Winter Haven, Florida, and in recent years also lived in Liberty Township, Ohio, where he passed away.
Born in Wylie, Texas, to W.A. and Oleta Edwards, Dwight was raised in a home marked by a deep love for God. His parents were instrumental in helping establish many churches across Texas. At just five years old, Dwight gave his life to Christ, beginning a lifelong devotion to the Gospel. He later attended Southwestern Bible College, where he sang for the school and formed a lasting friendship with John Hagee.
Dwight faithfully carried the message of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God to nations around the world. In his early twenties, he and his brother Quentin traveled by faith to South India, where they conducted some of the first Gospel crusades in the region, marked by countless miracles. Many prominent Assemblies of God leaders in India came to Christ through those meetings. In later years, Dwight spent extended time in Russia, strengthening pastors and churches through the teaching of God’s Word. He was honored with honorary doctorates in both India and the United States.
Known for his anointed and resonant bass voice, Dwight sang early in his ministry with The Inspirationals, alongside Roger McDuff and Gary McSpadden. Though invited into the Gospel Quartet scene, Dwight felt called to pastoral ministry and desired stability for his family. His longest pastorate was at Cypress Cathedral in Winter Haven, Florida, where he faithfully served for 26 years. His ministry was marked by a passion for worship and honoring the presence of God, and many lives were impacted during that season.
While traveling in California, Dwight met Mary Layton, and it was love at first sight. They married within six months and ministered together in song and the Word for nearly 58 years. Together they raised four children and were blessed with eleven grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Following Mary’s passing in 2019, Dwight married Peggy Stenger on September 18, 2020. Peggy, a retired physician and longtime family friend, was deeply loved by Dwight and cherished by the entire family.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, W.A. and Oleta Edwards; his brother, Quentin Edwards; his daughter, MaShelle Klingenberg; and his wife of nearly 58 years, Mary Edwards.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Stenger Edwards; his sisters, Lenete Merritt (Jimmy) and Willeta Boren (Billy); his children, Nolan Edwards (Kathy), Elizabeth Braddock (David), Cynthia Klingenberg (Brad); his son-in-law, Mark Klingenberg (Erika); his beloved grandchildren: Denise Najera, Dayna Klingenberg, Rachael Coxwell, Briana Latimer, Aaron Klingenberg, Bethany Braddock, Adelle Davis, Brittany Burton, Jeron Edwards, Ethan Klingenberg, and Faith Braddock.
Peggy’s children loved Dwight and include Tammy Tames, Marvin (Sonny) Hall, Ryan Stenger (Stacy), Aaron Stenger (Samantha) and a number of grandchildren: Brandi Swann, Ashley Hood, Joshua Hall, Kaelyn Stenger, Lily Stenger, Ayden Stenger, Lexy Stenger, Cheyenne Stenger, Riley Stenger, Ty Stenger and Kymber Stenger. He also leaves behind many beloved extended family members from both Mary’s and Peggy’s families.
A Celebration of Life for Dwight W. Edwards will be held at Champions Church, 1801 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, Florida, on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Viewing will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 2:00 PM, with graveside services to follow.
For those unable to attend, the service will be made available on YouTube live streamed through Champions Church Winter Haven.
