RECAP: Memorial Service for Mayor Ed Honea

Published on January 16, 2025

MARANA- Family, friends, Town of Marana staff, leadership, dignitaries and the community gathered at the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex on Saturday, December 21, 2024 to honor the life and legacy of Mayor Ed Honea.

The ceremony featured several heartfelt tributes from several close friends of Mayor Honea as well as his son, Whit Honea, who shared memories and reflections on his father’s life and dedication to public service. The distinguished speakers included:

• Dale Moe, Pastor at Light the Way Church
• Terry Rozema, Marana Town Manager
• Tom Murphy, Mayor of Sahuarita
• Juan Ciscomani, U.S. Congressman

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer led by Pastor Dave Hedgepeth.

A special thank you goes to all those who attended and to those who were a part of the memorial service including:

• Officiant: Dan Marries
• Presentation of the colors by Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District
• National Anthem by Marana High School Choir
• Presentation of the Flag from the Navy to Honea Family, U.S. Navy Funeral Honors
• Three-Volley Salute by American Legion Post 132
  
  

PHOTO GALLERY

(Photos by: JD Fitzgerald Photography)

(JPG, 547KB)

(JPG, 350KB)

(JPG, 551KB)

(JPG, 258KB)

(JPG, 563KB)

(JPG, 509KB)

(JPG, 412KB)

(JPG, 184KB)

(JPG, 294KB)

(JPG, 120KB)

(JPG, 346KB)

(JPG, 384KB)

(JPG, 502KB)

(JPG, 585KB)

(JPG, 237KB)

(JPG, 254KB)

(JPG, 272KB)

(JPG, 418KB)

(JPG, 183KB)

(JPG, 304KB)

(JPG, 276KB)

(JPG, 331KB)

(JPG, 277KB)

(JPG, 412KB)

(JPG, 614KB)

(JPG, 327KB)

(JPG, 572KB)

(JPG, 247KB)

(JPG, 234KB)

(JPG, 213KB)

(JPG, 341KB)

(JPG, 308KB)

(JPG, 562KB)

(JPG, 325KB)

(JPG, 694KB)

ANOTHER TRIBUTE TO MAYOR HONEA

A Texas Red Oak was planted by Parks and Recreation staff in honor of the late Mayor Ed Honea the week of January 6 2025. It is located at the front of the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex. Those who attended the memorial service on December 21st may have spotted it near the stage. 

A few facts about Texas Red Oaks: 

Botanical Name: Quercus buckleyi

Characteristics: Quercus buckleyi is a medium sized tree that grows to about 50 feet tall. Its bark is grey and brown and fissured. Its leaves are about 2-5 inches long and 2-4 inches across. They are deeply divided into 5-9 lobes with several bristled tip teeth at the end. Foliage turns deep red in late fall. The tree produces small acorns 0.25-1.5 inches in diameter.

Natural History: Native to southern Texas, Northeastern Mexico, and North Central Oklahoma in alkaline soils. This is a very drought and heat-resistant oak and can even grow in low elevation deserts like Phoenix when watered. Its name honors American geologist and botanist S.B. Buckley