Anthony Edwards Remembered: Milwaukee Grieves Loss of Beloved Father and Grandfather in Tragic Father’s Day Shooting

MILWAUKEE, WI — What was meant to be a day of family, gratitude, and reflection instead turned into a nightmare for the loved ones of Anthony Edwards, a 56-year-old Milwaukee man whose life was senselessly taken on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025. The tragedy unfolded near the intersection of 51st and Center Street, a neighborhood that is now gripped with sorrow, disbelief, and anger as it mourns a man remembered for his deep love of family, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication to his community.

The shooting took place in the early evening hours, just as families across the city were gathering for barbecues, laughter, and tributes to the fathers and grandfathers who guide and nurture them. For the Edwards family, however, the day that should have been marked by celebration instead ended in gunfire, heartbreak, and a void that can never be filled.

Police responded to reports of shots fired shortly after 6:30 p.m. and found Anthony Edwards suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the immediate efforts of first responders and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made or whether a suspect has been identified, as the investigation remains active.

A Family and Community Shattered

Anthony Edwards was more than just a name in a headline. He was a father, a grandfather, a mentor, and a friend. Those who knew him describe a man who was dependable, gentle, and deeply rooted in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His death has left his family utterly devastated, struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that claimed his life on a day meant to honor men like him.

“It was supposed to be a day to show him how much he meant to us,” said one family member through tears. “We were just getting ready to eat, to laugh, to tell stories. Now he’s gone, just like that.”

Friends and neighbors recall seeing Edwards almost daily in the area, walking to the corner store, stopping to chat with passersby, or watching over his grandchildren with pride. He was known for his warm smile and his habit of greeting everyone with kindness, whether he knew them personally or not. His presence in the neighborhood was steady—a quiet constant in a city that has seen too much turmoil.

“He was like a father to all of us,” said a longtime neighbor. “He always had a wise word, a joke, or just a listening ear. Losing him like this—on Father’s Day, no less—it’s just too much.”

Violence on a Day of Peace

The cruel irony of the timing has left the city reeling. Father’s Day, a time meant to cherish the men who provide guidance and support for their families, became the backdrop for a tragedy that underscores the ongoing struggles with gun violence in Milwaukee and many American cities. The emotional toll of such violence is amplified when it strikes on a day devoted to love, reflection, and unity.

Community leaders, activists, and clergy have spoken out in the wake of the shooting, calling for not only justice, but a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of violence—poverty, lack of opportunity, systemic inequality, and trauma that too often goes untreated.

“This wasn’t just a shooting,” one local pastor said during an impromptu gathering near the scene. “This was a spiritual wound to our entire community. A man was taken from his family—on Father’s Day—by a system that continues to fail us all.”

A Father’s Legacy

To his children and grandchildren, Anthony Edwards was more than a provider—he was a protector, a role model, and a constant source of love. He had spent years working in various trades, doing whatever was necessary to make ends meet, and always putting his family first. Whether it meant long shifts, early mornings, or giving up personal dreams for the sake of others, he did it with quiet strength and pride.

He loved to cook, especially for family gatherings. His ribs, homemade mac and cheese, and sweet tea were legendary among relatives. But more than the meals he prepared, it was the time he spent around the table with his loved ones that meant the most to him.

“He taught us what being a man really means,” said a grandson. “Not just tough on the outside, but soft enough to hold your kids, tell them you love them, and show up every single day.”

Those closest to him say he rarely missed a birthday, school event, or doctor’s appointment. He was present in a way that mattered—not just in moments of celebration, but in everyday consistency. His absence now is felt in the quiet moments: the silence in his chair at the dinner table, the stillness of a phone that no longer rings with his voice.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, the Milwaukee Police Department has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that they are actively pursuing leads. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could help piece together what happened.

“We are working around the clock to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy,” said a department spokesperson. “We understand the gravity of this case and the pain this family and community are experiencing. We will not stop until justice is served.”

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, and investigators have canvassed the area for witnesses. However, as is often the case in neighborhoods weary from violence and distrust, cooperation has been hesitant.

Community leaders have appealed for calm and urged residents to break the silence that so often surrounds gun crimes, offering assurances that speaking out does not mean speaking against, but rather speaking for justice, dignity, and the right to live in peace.

Calls for Action and Healing

Milwaukee has seen its share of heartache in recent years, with gun violence continuing to claim lives at an alarming rate. In response to this latest tragedy, several city officials have renewed calls for stronger community investment, expanded mental health services, and youth intervention programs.

“What happened to Anthony Edwards is not an isolated event,” said a city council member. “It’s the result of layered, long-term neglect of our communities. We owe it to him, to his family, and to every child growing up in fear to do better.”

On Monday morning, local churches opened their doors for prayer services. School counselors were made available to grieving children who knew the Edwards family. Nonprofit organizations began coordinating outreach efforts to provide food, financial support, and trauma-informed counseling to those most affected.

The city plans to hold a vigil on Thursday evening near the intersection where the shooting took place. Organizers say it will be a space for reflection, mourning, and recommitment to peace. Candles will be lit, names will be spoken, and the community will once again be reminded that behind every statistic is a soul—a father, a friend, a human being whose life mattered.

A Life That Mattered

There is a haunting pain in losing someone to violence—especially someone who gave so much of themselves to others. Anthony Edwards lived a life defined not by headlines or fame, but by simple, profound acts of love. Walking his grandkids to school. Mending a neighbor’s fence. Offering advice from the front porch. He was the kind of man whose impact is measured not by wealth or titles, but by presence.

And now, his absence is profound.

His family is planning a memorial service that will reflect the life he lived—a celebration filled with music, prayer, laughter, and storytelling. They have asked for privacy as they make arrangements, but welcome the outpouring of love that has come from across the city.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking those who knew Anthony or were touched by his story to consider volunteering or donating to violence prevention organizations working to keep Milwaukee’s streets safe.

Never Forgotten

The pain of this Father’s Day will echo for years to come. But amid the grief, there is also a deep resolve: to carry forward the lessons Anthony Edwards taught through the way he lived. Love your family. Show up. Be kind. Keep going, even when the world gets hard.

His memory will live on not just in his children and grandchildren, but in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him. In a city that continues to search for peace, his life is a beacon—a reminder of what’s possible when love is made visible, daily, and without condition.

Though he is gone, his legacy remains, etched into the fabric of Milwaukee and the lives of everyone he touched. On Father’s Day, and every day forward, he will be remembered.