James Edward "Ed" Tawney, 94, of Newton, WV, died peacefully in his sleep at Clay Health Center from complications due to Alzheimer's.

He was born on December 14, 1927, a son to James H. and Mary A. Tawney of Clendenin, WV. He was raised as a young boy in Newton, WV.

He met and married his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Roush) Tawney, in Clendenin. The couple lived there for many years. Later in life, he moved his family to Newton near his childhood home. Early in his marriage, he served in the U.S. Army. Soon after, he made a career as a truck driver. He was a truck driver for several independent trucking companies and eventually retired from Smith's Transfer of Belle, WV.

Ed was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with family and friends at local fishing holes. He also had a keen eye for ginseng and taught his children and grandchildren how to identify, dry, and market the plant. The old, red Ford truck often headed to WV mountains during springtime to dig ramps to be cleaned, bundled and sold at roadside areas in Roane or Kanawha counties. He had many hobbies, but his greatest love was family. Family gatherings were a time to feast, reminisce, and enjoy God's blessings. He especially loved roughhousing with his grandchildren. His own children would gasp as he playfully tossed giggling grandbabies in the air and caught them. He was a father who was firm when it was needed and humble when required. He believed in the power of prayer and stood on the promise of Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

He is survived by his children; Barb (Jim) Smith, Karen Tawney, Gary (Beth) Tawney, Debbie (David) Boggs, Teresa (Todd) Allen; his grandchildren, April, Crissy, Chad, Kelly, Jasper, Brandy, Amie, Cole, Wade, Josh, AJ, Brett; and his sixteen great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his spouse, Patricia A. Tawney; sons, Steve and Dave Tawney; grandsons, Joel Tawney and Sam Craddock; and daughter-in-law, Karen Tawney.

Former fishing buddy, Philip Linger, will conduct a 11:00 A.M graveside service on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Newton Tawney Cemetery. Ed Tawney will be greatly missed by all, especially his family. They take comfort knowing their father and grandpa, the trucker, reached his final destination and/or mile marker. Their mother has been waiting.

Arrangements provided by Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, WV. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.taylorvandalefuneralhome.com