Roger Edwards

ROGER EMMANUEL EDWARDS Cedar Rapids Businessman, world traveler, ironworker, traveling magician, and entertainer of all, Roger Emmanuel Edwards, 78, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at the Dennis and Donnal Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Visitation and services will be at First Church of the Open Bible, Cedar Rapids. Roger was born Oct. 31, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Richard and Alpha (Bagne) Edwards. In elementary school, he began to do magic shows everywhere he could. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1958 and immediately went on the road as a traveling magician with Kara Kum. In the early 1960s, he and his brother Harold formed the Magical Jokers. He met June Shaw at a barn dance and married her on Dec. 29, 1963, in Orchard. He went to work for Water Tower Paint and Repair and enjoyed going from town to town with his family painting water towers. In 1969, Roger moved to Cedar Rapids, where he worked for Iron Workers Local No. 89. In 1983, Roger and his wife June opened the Cellar Door and then later acquired the Stable on the Alley. After nearly 40 years of marriage, June died on Nov. 18, 2003. Roger continued to run both the Cellar Door and the Stable on the Alley with the help of his friends, especially his constant companion, Margaret Scheffert. He was proud of the many times the Cellar Door was recognized as the Best Antique Store in Cedar Rapids. Roger traveled to over 50 countries and shared his love of dancing with many. Roger is survived by his children, Melody Williams of Miles, Christopher (LaDawn) Edwards of Huntsville, Ala., and Michael Edwards of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Andrew, Steven, Nicholas, Kamille, Elizabeth and Hannah; a brother, Harold Edwards of Hot Springs, Ark.; his close companion, Margaret Scheffert; and many honorary family members and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, June, in 2003; his parents, Richard and Alpha Edwards; and siblings, Richard Edwards and Barbara Dutcher. The family would like to thank Hospice of Mercy and all of Roger's friends for the ways they cared for him. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.iowacremation.com under Obituaries.