Edward Dwayne Oldham's Obituary
Edward Dwayne Oldham was born on January 16, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan to Virginia Oldham of Detroit and the late Eddie Farris of Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Cass Tech High School in 1980. Edward accepted Christ as a child and was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church East in Detroit.
Edward enlisted in the United States Army in 1981. During his enlistment in the Infantry, he distinguished himself as a sharpshooter. He was especially proud of his helicopter pilot training. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Edward began his career with the City of Detroit, first working as a Water Systems Worker then earning a series of promotions culminating in his status as a Master Electrician. After many years of service at the City of Detroit, Edward accepted a role at Chrysler as an Electrician and was later promoted to Plant Maintenance Supervisor. In his spare time, he performed work for many family, friends, and customers while earning a reputation for quality workmanship.
Edward was laid off from Chrysler during the Great Recession. Displaying his customary resilience and resourcefulness, he quickly found work in the defense industry. This career move landed him in the country of Afghanistan. Edward led a team of skilled trades workers in building and maintaining residential, dining, leisure, and industrial facilities for military service men and women. After his contract ended, he joined Exxon Mobile Corporation as an Industrial Electrician Technician. This position was later transferred to Energy Transfer Partners Corporation. Edward worked very hard at his craft and was proud of his status as a member of the skilled trades profession.
When he was not working, Edward loved many hobbies and recreational activities. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. The highlight of his outdoor adventures was last month’s epic, week-long Alaskan fishing trip with “The Frisco Five”, which included Pastor Pelham, Rick Abram, Deacon Green, and his brother, Reginald Oldham. Edward also loved outdoor cooking, traveling, and sharing special time with his family. Edward was a life-long learner, completing two Associates Degrees and was studying to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Edward moved from Detroit to the Dallas, Texas area in 2010. While residing in McKinney, Edward joined the Life Changing Faith Christian Fellowship located in Frisco. It was there that he found a true church home and family. He met Leslie Johnson at the church and they were united in Holy Matrimony on February 11, 2016. Together, Edward and Leslie made a home for themselves in Waxahachie, Texas, and committed themselves to faithful service to the church and a loving marriage.
The LORD called HIS son home on July 10, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Farris, and his brother Stanley Oldham. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Leslie; his mother, Virginia Yarbrough of Conway, AR; his children, David McLaughlin (wife, Nicole) of Tallahassee, FL , Demetrious Vaughn (wife, Adrian) of Baton Rouge, LA , Ebony Williams of Troy, MI, Talysha Oldham of Detroit, MI, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Edward Oldham, Jr. currently serving in Italy; three brothers: Reginald Oldham (wife, Kelli) of Hayward, CA; Theodore Perry (wife, Krystal) of Conway, AR; and Felton Perry (wife, Theresa) of Jacksonville, AR; one sister, Edna White (husband, Dwayne) of Bloomfield, MI. Edward also leaves a host of grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, all of whom will treasure fond memories of his faith, love, sense of humor, and kindness.
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