Malcolm "Mac" Harty Edwards

Malcolm “Mac” Harty Edwards, 91, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026. A private graveside inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mac was born on October 24, 1934, in Peoria, Illinois, to George S. and Anita (Saye) Edwards. After participating in football and baseball as well as graduating with honors from Knox College, Mac completed a year of medical school at the University of Illinois. When his parents' medical conditions required him to return home, he put his own plans aside to care for them. Once their situation was resolved, Mac entered the service as a second lieutenant and was stationed in San Antonio. There, he met his wife to be, Susan Prazak. Upon completion of his service, he began a career in medical sales.

On June 27, 1958, Mac married Susan Ann Prazak at Martha Mary Chapel in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Together, Mac and Susan built a life centered around family, friendship, faith in others, and service to their community. After living in Texas for ten years, they settled in Lawrence, Kansas, in the 1970s, where they raised their three children and made a home that would become the center of their growing family.

Mac is survived by his children, Mark (Gretchen) Edwards, Kimberly (Thomas) Wolfe, and Anne Edwards; his grandchildren, Jessica (Bobby) Lutz, Jake (Brisa) Wolfe, Macey (Brandon) Wachal, Trent (Ally) Edwards, Jensen (Joey) Edwards, and Nick Edwards; and his seven great-grandchildren, Jack, Emma, William, Alivia, Myla, Sienna, and Eleanor. He is also survived by Susan’s loving cousin, Ellen Akerhaugen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and, just six weeks ago, by Susan—the love of his life and his partner for 68 years.

But Mac will not be remembered primarily for where he worked or what he accomplished professionally. He will be remembered for how he treated people. Kind, considerate, respectful, humble, insightful, selfless, honorable, and thankful are just some of the words that describe him. Mac was always more concerned about the welfare of others than about himself. His family heard the same questions and reminders from him countless times: “What can I do to help you?” Can I get you anything?” “Do the right thing.” And perhaps his most enduring lesson: “Do more for others than you do for yourself. “These were not simply words. Mac lived them.

The final five years of Mac’s life brought one medical challenge after another, each of which he faced with dignity, determination, and grace. In the Edwards household, “quit” was a four-letter word that was never allowed.

Even as his own health weakened, Mac continued to focus his energy and strength on Susan and her medical challenges. He fought desperately to stay alive—not for himself, but because he wanted to be there to care for his wife and his family. He never complained. He simply kept going.

Mac would want his family to extend a heartfelt salute to the paramedics who were always there when needed, and to the tremendously kind, compassionate, and talented nurses, doctors, and staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Their care and kindness meant more to him and his family than words can adequately express.

Mac's life was not defined by wealth, recognition, or accomplishments. It was defined by something much simpler and much harder: he consistently put other people first. So, if you want to Honor Mac:

-Lend a hand to someone who needs help. -Put someone else's needs ahead of your own. -Do the right thing when no one is watching. -Lead by example. -Whenever you have the opportunity, do more for others than you do for yourself. That is how Mac lived and that is how he would want to be remembered.