On Friday, the Town of Marana announced the passing of Mayor Ed Honea on November 22, 2024, at the age of 77.
Mayor Honea served nearly two decades in office.
The town announced Vice Mayor Jon Post will be assuming the mayoral duties on an interim basis following Honea’s death.
Officials across the political spectrum offered their condolences.
Laura and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Marana Mayor Ed Honea. Ed was a true pillar of our community, dedicating decades of his life to the betterment of southern Arizona and Marana. His unwavering commitment to transportation, public safety, and economic growth… pic.twitter.com/3bgr8Wi55X
— Juan Ciscomani (@JuanCiscomani) November 22, 2024
God bless Mayor Ed Honea’s family. He served the people faithfully. May God comfort his family and friends 🙏
— Republican Party of Arizona (@AZGOP) November 22, 2024
On behalf of the City of Tucson, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Marana Mayor Ed Honea. pic.twitter.com/gOdp8G9Yne
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) November 22, 2024
Deepest condolences to the city of Marana and Mayor Honea’s family on the passing of Ed Honea. I worked with Mayor Honea often while serving in the state Legislature. May his memory be for a blessing.
— Adam Kwasman (@AdamKwasman) November 22, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Marana Mayor Ed Honea. He was a good friend and a public servant without peer. We will all miss him, but his family and friends can take great comfort in reflecting on all he did for the town he loved so much. Official Statement from…
— District1-Supervisor Rex Scott (@District1S) November 22, 2024
The Town released the following statement:
A pillar of our community, Mayor Honea dedicated his life to serving Marana with unwavering commitment, vision, and a genuine passion for making it a better place for all.
A third-generation member of a prominent five-generation Marana family, Mayor Honea’s roots ran deep in the community he loved. He graduated from Marana High School in 1965 and went on to continue his education at the U.S. Naval School of Construction and Pima Community College. During the Vietnam War, he proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees, and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 5990 in Marana.
His public service spanned 37 years across three terms on the Town Council, including serving as mayor since 2005 and previously from 1995 to 1997. Before retiring in 2007, he worked for 29 years as a contractor for the U.S. Postal Service in Marana.
Mayor Honea was a respected leader on numerous boards and organizations. He served with distinction as a member and 2014 Chair of the Pima Association of Governments, and as a member and Chair of the Regional Transportation Authority. His leadership extended to the executive board of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, as well as memberships with Arizona Town Hall, the Central Arizona Association of Governments, the Arizona Association of Economic Development, the Marana Optimist Club, and the Marana Chamber of Commerce. He also contributed as a former board member for MHC Healthcare, and was instrumental in the establishment of the new Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center. As a lover of recreation, he was also an advocate for the upcoming Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center.
A man of deep faith, Mayor Honea was a member of both Light the Way Lutheran Church and the Community Christian Church of Marana. Above all, he cherished his family. He is survived by his two children, Whitney and Tiffany, and three beloved grandchildren.
“Our community has lost a remarkable leader and advocate who served Marana for nearly 40 years,” said Town Manager Terry Rozema. “Mayor Honea was not only a champion for Marana, but also a friend and mentor to many of us. His love for our community ran so very deep and his contributions to making Marana what it is today cannot be overstated. He will be deeply missed.”
Mayor Ed Honea’s life and work left an impact on the Town of Marana, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Details regarding services and ways for the community to honor Mayor Honea’s memory will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his leadership and kindness.
