Marana, a town nestled northwest of Tucson, is mourning the loss of its leader, Mayor Ed Honea, who passed away last Friday at the age of 77. The cause of death has not been made public, but Honea's legacy as a long-standing figure in local politics and community development has risen to the forefront of conversations among residents and fellow officials. According to AZCentral, Vice Mayor Jon Post is set to assume mayoral duties in an interim capacity.
Honea's tenure as mayor spanned more than three decades across two separate periods, with the first from 1995 to 1997 and, the second from 2005 until his recent passing. His career began after his service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and he continued to serve his community through a 29-year tenure as a contractor for the U.S. Postal Service in Marana. Through service and deep family roots in the town, Mayor Honea became a symbol of steadfast leadership and growth. The town, in a press release obtained by ABC15 News, expressed immense sadness at the loss of a "pillar of our community."
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, on social media, highlighted Honea’s willingness to foster a relationship with neighboring communities, stating, "I always appreciated his willingness to continue our dialogue and valued how he always asked about me and my family," as stated by AZCentral This sentiment captures the collegial and personal approach Honea brought to his public duties, a commitment that won't soon be forgotten.
Beyond his political service, Honea was known for his significant involvement with local churches and organizations. A devout member of Light the Way Lutheran Church and the Community Christian Church of Marana, Honea's spiritual commitment mirrored his dedication to civic leadership. He played integral roles in associations such as the Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority, and his advocacy extended to the creation of the Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center, among others, AZCentral noted.
