RAPELJAE,MT- John Austin Edwards, age 24, of Rapeljae was declared dead after being reported as missing in action one year ago. John and his crew were last seen on April 19, 1945 on their base near Wells, England. Their plane was shot down during a night mission and has not been found. Johnny was born in Rapeljae on December 7, 1920 to Arthur and Ida (Cox) Edwards. He grew up on the family ranch near Rapeljae and attended school in Ryegate and Rapeljae. He attended Rapeljae high school through his sophomore year. On May 27, 1941, Johnny married Agnes M. Dimmitt. They welcomed a daughter named Janice Louise on July 18, 1943 in Columbus. The three of them ranched near Rapeljae. On March 23, 1944, Johnny enlisted in the U.S Air Force. He trained in Texas, Florida, California, and finally in Walla Walla, WA where he was able to live on base with Jan and Agnes until his troop shipped overseas. John and his troop shipped out to England in November 1944 to fight in the European Theatre. He was a member of the 858th bombardment squadron, 492nd bombardment group. John is survived by his parents, brothers Hugh and Dow, sisters Mabel and Virginia, wife Agnes, and daughter Jan, all of Rapeljae.
