It is with profound sadness that we received the Town of Marana announcement of the passing of Mayor Ed Honea on November 22, 2024, at the age of 77. A pillar of the 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. 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.
As recently as last month, Mayor Honea was among friends at the AAED Fall Conference in Prescott Valley, having jovial conversations during the downtown walking tour and reception. Tony and Rina enjoyed lunch and experienced the cattle auction with Mayor Honea during their last visit with him in Marana. His enthusiasm for his community, embracing new opportunities as well as old traditions was contagious.
Jordan Rose, Board Chair for Pinal Partnership shared, “Mayor Honea was a great leader who had a unique gift of being able to put everyone at ease to allow for problems to be solved. I remember being in some decently contentious meetings where I would watch in awe as he would somehow calm everyone down and they’d all walk out at the end smiling. It was like he was able to commit a sort of verbal hypnosis – it was truly a superpower. “
Mayor Honea inspired many in Pinal County leadership. “During my time as the Mayor of the City of Maricopa, Maricopa and Marana had many similarities associated with high population growth.” said Tony Smith, President and CEO of Pinal Partnership. “Mayor Honea was my trusted mentor and friend. He will be missed.”
“Ed Honea was a mentor to me, he helped me when I first became mayor of the City of Casa Grande.” shared Craig McFarland, 2025 incoming President and CEO of Pinal Partnership, “He was responsible for helping me to become a member of the Arizona Cities and Towns Executive Board. He was a friend and I know the citizens of Marana will miss him as will I”.
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. 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.”
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.
Following Mayor Honea’s passing, Vice Mayor Jon Post will assume the duties of mayor in an interim capacity.
