Larry John Edgell

He was born Nov. 16, 1946, in Hundred, West Virginia, the son of the late John. W. “Duke” and Edith Hostutler Edgell.

Larry was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War; taught elementary school for Star City Elementary for one year, Grandview Elementary for four years and concluded his teacher career at New Martinsville Elementary School, with an additional 25 years.

Before retiring from teaching, he was first elected to the Wetzel County Democratic Executive Committee; was named Wetzel County Democrat of the year in 1995; was elected to city council in New Martinsville; and then elected as state Senator to represent the Second Senatorial District from 1998-2014; where he served not only as Majority Whip, but also as President Pro Tempore in 2013. Larry served on the Education and Finance Committees during his terms. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in New Martinsville; Holy Name Society, Moose 931 and American Legion Post 28; served on the West Virginia Solid Waste Board; and coached golf at Magnolia High School and West Virginia Northern Community College.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Karen Poe Edgell; five brothers-in-law, David N. Herrick, Leonard Oates, Lou Hores, Dana McClanahan and Bruce Hall.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, having celebrated their Golden anniversary in August 2025 with family and friends, Cecilia Herrick Edgell; one daughter, Eva (Damon) Wilde of Crestwood, Kentucky; one son, Joshua (Lisa) Edgell of Cary, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Claire Wilde, Abby Wilde, Royce Wilde, Julia Wilde, David Edgell Andrew Edgell and Lucy Edgell; two brothers, Gary Edgell of Hurricane, West Virginia, and Wally Edgell of Sebring, Florida; one sister, Judi Hall of Hurricane, West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory, 751 Third St., New Martinsville.

Funeral liturgy with Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. from St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 21 Rosary Road, New Martinsville, with Fr. Joseph Abraham as Celebrant.

Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, New Martinsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or The Holy Name Society at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church New Martinsville.

Sympathy expressions www.grisellfuneralhomes.com.