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Brothers killed in standoff laid to rest

Posted at 1:28 PM, Feb 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-17 18:35:52-05

Family, friends and members of the community said their final goodbyes to two brothers killed during a standoff last week.

Services for Jason and John Edwards were held Wednesday morning at St. Columbkille in Papillion.

The brothers were shot and killed by a man who turned the gun on himself after an extended standoff at a home near 140th and Miami streets on Friday, Feb. 12.

Father Dave Reeson called the brothers loving individuals who always put others before themselves.

There were moments of laughter as memories of the brothers were shared about how they impacted everyone's life in a positive way, from being boy scout leaders to volleyball coaches, Jason and John touched hundreds of lives.

“We all miss Jason and John, and this can be a terrible hurting time for us, but the family has so many awesome memories, as we reminisce,” said Father Reeson.

Friends of the brothers said the funeral service was the perfect tribute to such amazing people.

“It was unbelievable with the packed house that it was and people down stairs that is exactly what you would expect for these two guys who knew the, and who helped so many people,” said Scott Schendt.

The brothers leave behind loving wives and young children.

The family had on the funeral pamphlet a statement thanking everyone for the outpouring of support and they welcome the support with respectful consideration of their privacy 

“Everything that people were talking about in the paper and the news is exactly how I knew them as, fun loving helpful fellas that would never turn their back to you, good fellas to know and I am a better person for it,” said Schendt.
 

A memorial fund has been set up for their children. Donations are being collected at any Bank of the West or First Nebraska Educators Credit Union location.

Two separate online fundraisers, one for each brother, have raised more than $60,000 combined.

RELATED LINKS: 

Jason Edwards Family Fund

John Edwards Funeral Costs

A benefit set for Sunday will also raise money for the family. More than 300 people have indicated they plan to attend in the Facebook event. Click here for the details.