In Memory Of
Edgar "Ed" F. Sheley
Corning, Kansas
07/31/1942 - 09/04/2026
With grateful hearts and a lifetime of wonderful memories, we celebrate the life of Edgar Franklin Sheley, 84, of Corning, KS, who peacefully left this earth on September 4, 2026.
“Ed” or “Eddie” entered this world on July 31, 1942 in Hoyt, KS to George and Frances Frost Sheley and grew up with 9 siblings.
Ed attended Highland Park School before making the courageous decision to leave school in 1960, during his 10th-grade year, to enlist in the United States Navy. He served his country on the USS Ticonderoga and USS Lexington until returning back to Kansas in 1963. Upon returning to the Midwest, Ed was employed by McEntire Brothers. He then worked for Chilson Masonry as a brick mason.
He soon met Joan Rethman, at the Four Seasons Club in Topeka. Ed’s beautiful blue eyes and fact that he loved to dance won Joan over. They married on September 25, 1965 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, KS. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year surrounded by many family and friends.
Ed and Joan began their family in Perry, KS where they were blessed with 3 ornery boys, Ricky, Bradly and Tony. He worked at Farmland Industries for 25 years. Ed spent his younger years doing things that brought him joy and kept him busy. He loved to dance, tinker in the garage, work with his hands through woodworking and building projects, and spend time outdoors hunting and fishing. He also took great pride in his yardwork—especially mowing the lawn, where those perfect straight lines were a source of particular satisfaction “making sure the yard looked just right”. He was always there to lend a helping hand as he was the master of all trades. Ed had a way of taking pride in the things he did, whether it was a project in the workshop, a day outdoors, or simply making sure the yard look just right. Ed and Joan chose to follow their boys to Las Vegas, NV where they retired and spent the next 20 years living in a hotter climate that Ed enjoyed.
They were blessed with many grandchildren and were always present at sports, school events, celebrations and holidays. Ed spent much of his leisure time teaching his grandkids how to get into mischief or sneaking them whatever their parents wouldn’t allow. He also enjoyed sitting in the driveway waving to anyone who passed by, never knowing a stranger. In 2021, Ed and Joan chose to make a new chapter of their lives in Corning, Kansas, where they found a place to call home and remodeled it to make it their own. Before long, Ed became a familiar and beloved sight around town—the guy sitting in his driveway, always ready with a wave and a smile for everyone who passed by. He especially loved watching the kids growing up around town. Their laughter, energy, and little personalities brought him so much joy. It didn’t take long for Ed to become one of those people who seemed to know everyone, and who made everyone feel noticed simply by offering a friendly wave from the driveway.
Ed will be deeply missed for so many things—the humor that could brighten any room, the stories he loved to tell, the songs he shared, and, most of all, the hugs that made you feel loved.
Ed is survived by his wife Joan, children Ricky (Laura) of St George, UT, Bradley (Jodi) of Las Vegas, NV and Tony (Bethany) of Corning, KS. He was a proud grandpa to Craig, Andie, Amy, Kendra (deceased), Chelsea, Abie, Tatumn, Chase, Gavin, Kelby and Camryn and three step grandchildren Kyler, Kooper and Khloe. Great-grandchildren Jensyn, James, Tate, Isla, Evelyn and Drue. Siblings Maureen Long of Topeka, KS, Georgia Ann Leeman of Topeka, KS, Wilma Brooks of Meriden, KS, Roy Sheley (deceased), Peggy Nicholson of Barnesville, GA, Debbie Summerville (deceased), John Sheley (deceased), Ray Sheley of Lecompton, KS, and Kay Gannon of Perry, KS.
A rosary will be prayed at 10 A.M. Thursday prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M., on September 10, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning, KS. along with military honors to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic CCD Program. Eddie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. A life well lived. A heart well loved. A legacy that will live on.
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Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May the memories you have be shared over and over for many years.
Thank you Christy.
Joan, Rick, Brad, Tony & family: I am so sorry to hear about Ed’s passing! So many memories! Chad learned alot of shop talk from Ed. He was always good to Chad & me, helping with my yard & gravel driveway! Best neighbors ever!
Prayers & blessings to all of you.
Growing up, Ed, Joan, and the boys were our neighbors in Perry. He was a kind, loving, and gentle soul. He was very much like a second dad to me.
Ed was always up to something, whether it was mowing the lawn, fixing the driveway, watering his lawn, or working in the garage—and doing it all with his pack of Camel Lights. He always joked that there was no man on the package because he was using the restroom behind the pyramid. He always had a joke for everything.
Somehow, I was always right behind him and was his little shadow. If Ed was outside, so was I. When he would mow his lawn, I was right behind him. If he was in the garage, I was helping grab tools or holding a ladder, or even picking out weeds in the flowerbeds or unwanted rocks in the driveway with him. He always made time for me, even though I was probably a nuisance at times.
I remember him sitting outside with his shirt off and asking about all of his tattoos, for which he had a story to tell about each one. I wish I could remember those stories, especially now.
And he never wore shorts—always jeans, even in the summertime—when he would say, “It’s hotter than a popcorn fart.”
I remember his orneriness, too: turning up the volume in Joan’s car so that when she turned it on, it would blast loudly and scare her. Or scaring me, my mom, and my sister when we were coming and going from our home with his deep voice. These were only a few of many things he did.
He also taught me about life’s little joys, such as drinking orange soda or a Coke with peanuts.
I remember when I got my new car for high school graduation. Taking it to their place was my first stop to show it off to them. And every Halloween, I would stop at Ed and Joan’s home first, even as a young adult when I was too old for trick-or-treating. It was always nice to chat with them.
He was just the kind of guy you wanted to be around. He was just special. And he will ALWAYS be special to me.
Sending my love and my sincerest condolences to Joan, the boys and family. May he rest in peace and his memories live on.
Thanks Andrea. That brought back so many memories. He always let you girls get away with anything. Brad and I were like “what the heck”. He was a second dad to a lot of our friends. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Joan boys and family was sorry to hear about Ed’s
Passing. Harry was thinking about him not long ago. Harry thought the world of Ed . When our home was built 39 years ago I believe Ed made a video of it. He was a great funny person who will be greatly missed.
Our sons thought the world of Ed.
So sorry to hear of Ed s passing . Prayers to ed s family in this difficult time. So , so great memories. Ed was one of my best friends growing up in Topeka Ks. Ed , myself and about 10 ther guys ran together….we had such fun. Friday and Saturday nights we all got together and had so much fun. Lost track of ed as the years passed by. He was such a wonderful friend would do anything for you. Going to miss him terribly.
Darl Holmes