Farley, Edward L

On December 7, 2018, the faith of EDWARD LEE FARLEY became sight as he gracefully closed his eyes while being surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren who rejoiced in the good that the LORD their God had given them through his daily examples of love and integrity (Deuteronomy 26:11). Edward was born at home in Kenova, W. Va. on September 15, 1933 and was the only child of the late Dr. Samuel A. & Nina Pack-Farley. He was also preceded in death by two special uncles, Mr. Thomas H. Farley, of Chattaroy, W. Va. and Mr. Edward B. Farley of Parker’s Lake, KY.

Edward was a 1951 graduate of Ceredo-Kenova High School. He earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from Marshall University where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He began his teaching career in 1955 at CEredo-Kenova High School. From 1958-1959 Edward taught at Frederick-Sasser High School, Prince George’s County, Maryland where he also served as their Civil Defense Officer. He returned to Wayne County as a teacher and principal at Ceredo-Kenova High School where he had the distinguished honor of being its only graduate to serve as its senior administrator as well as several years at Buffalo High School. From 1977 until his retirement in 1995, Edward held the positions of Supervisor and Director of Wayne County Schools in addition to serving as Assistant Superintendent for the remaining twenty years of his dedication to the staff and students across the district. He later became a part-time Supervisor for the Marshall University College of Education and Human Services School of Education, as he traveled to local public schools in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio for twelve years as a mentor.

Edward served in the United States Navy on the USS Stickell and was a member of American Legion Post 93 Kenova, whose members will conduct Military Funeral Honors. He was also appointed the honorary commission as a Kentucky Colonel and a WV Rotarian.

As a faithful member of the Maple Street Church of God, he participated in the Choir, Finance Committee, Pastor’s Council, and the After School Feeding Program. He assisted with constructing three Habitat for Humanity homes in his beloved Kenova,W. Va., in addition to the church fellowship hall.

Although Edward had many titles, the ones which he most cherished were being Husband to the love of his life, Cosbie Kay Reynolds-Farley for thirty-seven years; Dad to Susan E. (Van) Shuff of Westerville, Ohio and Scott E. (Deidre) Farley of Kenova, W. Va. He was also known as Pappy to C. Renee’ (Bryan) Simmons-Mathews of Milton, W. Va. and Marlene H. Simmons-Tichnell of Hurricane, W. Va. He was delighted being called Grandpa to Anna and Olivia Shuff and Beau Farley in addition to being loved as Pawpaw by Jordan and Destinee Mathews and Levi and Makayla Tichnell. In a few days, Edward was to meet his first great-grandchild, Mathew Lee.

Those who knew Ed best were privy to his quick wit and sense of humor while often being drawn in with a straight face and even tone especially his dear friend, Denver Perry, who went to Heaven before him. But more importantly, he chose a good name and loving favor by being a man of distinct honor and character who walked humbly before his family, friend, church, and community (Proverbs 22:1).

Knowing that Edward has now entered eternally into the presence of the Lord and is experiencing the fullness of joy and His pleasures for evermore (Psalms 16:11), a Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the Kenova Church of God, 1601 Maple Street, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the funeral immediately following. Officiants will be his son-in-law, Bishop Bryan Mathews, Pastor Paul Cantrell, and Mr. Richard Collins, a friend who has stayed closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, W. Va., beside his beloved mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, 3100 Staunton Rd., Huntington, W. Va. 25702; Kenova Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 186, Kenova, W. Va. 25530; or a charity of your choosing.

Being a man of few words who spoke clearly through his actions, Edward would want to remind us all to find the good in everyone.

Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.