Romney, WV - ROMNEY, W.Va. [mdash] Edward W. Lease, 87, of Romney, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Hampshire Center.

Born August 6, 1937 in Romney, he was the son of the late George W. Lease and Myrtle I. (Wagoner) Lease.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 32 years and mother of his children, Bernice (Puffinburger) Lease; wife of 21 years, Shirley Puffinburger Lease; and siblings, Vernon Lease, Dorothy Lease, and Leona Lease.

Mr. Lease retired from the Potomac Valley Transit Authority, Romney. He also worked for Tarmac in Sterling, Va., and was employed for many years at Aurora Stone, Short Gap.

Over the years, he attended Graceland Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church, and Grace Valley Baptist Church.

He loved family get togethers, bluegrass music, working in the garden, and homemade ice cream.

Survivors include his children, Edward A. Lease and wife Teresa, Victoria Shipley and husband Tim, and Penny Clayborn and husband Dave; stepdaughter, Linda Densmore and husband Bill; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great granddaughters. He is also survived by his siblings, Ernest Lease, Hazel Coker, Maxine Caneco, Shirley Twigg, Barbara Presley, and Anna Beverlin; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Upchurch Funeral Home, Inc., Fort Ashby, on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m.

The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Kris Lengel officiating.

Interment will be in Fort Ashby Cemetery.