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 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. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .
