Reverend Edwin Wayne Modrick, 83, a long-time resident of Amarillo, Texas went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Viewing will be available from Noon – 5:00 P.M., Saturday, February 3, 2024, and Noon – 3:00 P.M., Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 5, 2024, at Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington St., with Jim Shelburne officiating. Private burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.
Edwin Wayne Modrick was born on August 24, 1940, in Laverne, Oklahoma to John Joseph Modrick and Viola May Bondurant Modrick. Ed graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1958 where he excelled in football, choir, a cappella choir, key club, and his vocal quartet. He was voted Feb Don, and the Vice President both of his Senior class. Ed married his sweetheart Eula on December 20, 1958, and remained married for 60 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Joseph Modrick and Viola Modrick Hutson; and his wife, Eula Lorene Modrick.
Ed is survived by his daughter, La Parsha Wise; son-in-law, Michael Wise; grandchildren, Jonathan Paul Wise and wife Shann, J’Rhea Elyse Carrillo and husband Josh, Josalynn Lea Maskill and husband Tim, Jacob Lyndon Modrick Wise and fiancée Tara; seven great-grandchildren, Jonathan Caleb Wise and Lyndon Belle Wise, Levi Michael Modrick Carrillo, Liam Anthony Carrillo and Lila Rhea Carrillo, Eleanor Len Maskill and Emmitt Wayne Maskill.
Today we celebrate the remarkable life of a man who truly embodied the essence of generosity, compassion, and love – Ed Modrick, or as many fondly knew him, Pastor Ed, Farmer Ed, Big Ed, Moose, Papa, Pop, or Pops. Whichever name you called him, you were touched by a soul who dedicated his life to giving more than he had, leaving an incredible mark on the hearts of everyone he encountered.
Ed and Eula embarked on their journey in Midway, OK, where Ed and Eula served as the Pastors from 1961 to 1964. The couple then continued their mission in Guymon, OK, to a small white church, the Guymon Chapel. Ed’s vision expanded, and with determination and some help, he built the Apostolic Student Center in 1967, in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Shortly after, the church grew and Ed, with help, built a new church completed in 1969, Apostolic Faith Church. The new church, in time, grew to overabundance, so a large gymnasium for youth activities was added. In 1977, the church was renamed, Panhandle Bible Center. Ed’s influence and his commitment inspired the community, echoing the impact of his unwavering dedication.
In 1978, Ed and Eula moved to Amarillo, TX, for their final venture, establishing Suburban Bible Church. For more than two decades, they devoted themselves to the ministry, tirelessly spreading the message of Jesus and his love. As the time came to an end at Suburban Bible Church, Ed’s calling did not end. He went to work as a pastor at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch for a year and a half, where the kids adored him. To continue his ministry, he found a place at Washington Avenue Christian Church, as the Director of the Family Service Center. Soon following, he was hired on staff at WACC, as the Pastor to Senior Adults. Ed served a decade at WACC, where he felt so loved and appreciated. Ed and Eula called Washington Avenue their final home.
Ed’s love language was undeniably acts of service. His legacy is woven into the countless lives he touched—feeding, clothing, housing, mentoring, and praying over friends and strangers alike. With Eula by his side, he seamlessly incorporated the love of Jesus into every sermon, meal, and conversation. Ed’s magnetic personality, bubbling with charm and humor, drew people to him, fostering an environment free of judgment and criticism. He had a profound love for entertaining through music and storytelling, and the sheer brilliance of his singing and exquisite piano playing wielded an almost mystical influence, captivating anyone fortunate enough to experience it. Every encounter ended with a hug, a cool handshake, and laughter. His passion was simple, love people, and the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys had a superfan in Ed Modrick, a man committed through the highs and the many, many, disappointing lows. Ed stood by them, a true testament to love and football – mostly love, though.
While Ed’s impact was vast, his devotion to family was unparalleled. La Parsha was his world, and their father-daughter bond was a testament to a lifetime of love. His dedication extended to his grandkids, attending every concert, recital, and game, and never missing a birthday. Throughout Jonathan, J’Rhea, Josalynn and Jacob’s college years, he continued to attend many of their important events. Ed beamed with pride at each of their accomplishments, maintaining a unique and special connection with each one.
As we celebrate our Pop’s life, let us remember a man who lived a life of purpose, spreading love, laughter, kindness, and hope. His legacy will forever be etched in our hearts, an enduring testament to the power of a life well-lived. His spirit lives in La Parsha and Mike, his grandkids, and great-grandkids, and we pray he inspires us all to give more than we have and love without reservation. There is no doubt in our minds that upon entering the gates of heaven, God smiled at our Pop and said, “Well done my good and faithful servant, and welcome home.”
I will forever love you dearly Pop,
Josalynn (your left-handed blonde)
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