Merrill Fremont Edwards, son of Fremont D. (1914-2015) and Vena Rose (Longstreet) (1918-2009) Edwards, was born 13 May 1935, Williamston, Ingham County, Michigan.  Fremont for over 30 years was a heavy equipment operator at Michigan State University.  Vena was a dedicated and devoted mother to her 2 sons and daughter, Merrill being the oldest.  According to the 1940 US Federal Census, Fremont was employed by the WPA, ditch digging.  Fremont listed himself, on his 21 December 1934 marriage license, as a "laborer."

Merrill graduated from Okemos High in 1954.  He had participated in track and football and pursued an interest in farming.  Merrill also fell in love with another Okemos High student, Donna Lorraine Reib.  Their daughter, Darlene Ann Edwards, was born 30 April 1957. Donna was born 13 December 1937, Detroit, Wayne County.  She and Merrill divorced in September 1970.  Donna passed away 16 February 2013, Ocala, Marion County, Florida.  Their daughter Darlene died 18 February 2017, Chase, Lake County, Michigan.

During the mid-1970's Merrill married LeeAnna (Miller) Schinderle, born 9 October 1943, Lansing, Ingham County.  LeeAnna, a school teacher, had a successful 22 year career with the Grand Ledge school system and retired in 1995. With Merrill doing construction work, LeeAnna teaching and 6 kids in the house, theirs was a busy household.

Merrill died 5 October 2016.  He was interred Danby Cemetery, Ionia County, Michigan.