Governor Morrisey Issues Statement on the Passing of Larry Edgell

Charleston, West Virginia; December 26th, 2025

Governor Patrick Morrisey has issued an official statement following the passing of Larry Edgell, marking the loss of a figure whose life, according to the Governor’s Office, was defined by sustained service to the people of West Virginia. The statement, released by the Office of the Governor, reflects not only on Edgell’s death but on the character and values that shaped his public life.

In his statement, Governor Morrisey said he was saddened to learn of Edgell’s passing, noting that Edgell devoted nearly two decades of his life to serving the people of the state. The governor described Edgell as someone who represented his community with integrity and humility, language that places emphasis not on position or title, but on conduct and disposition. The statement frames Edgell’s service as rooted in responsibility rather than ambition, suggesting a public life measured by consistency and duty.

The Governor’s Office identified Edgell as a veteran, an educator, and a legislator, presenting these roles not as separate chapters but as interconnected expressions of service. In the statement, Governor Morrisey noted that Edgell exemplified the very best of public service across each of these capacities, underscoring the idea that service is not confined to a single arena, but can be carried forward through different callings over time.

By referencing Edgell’s work both inside and outside of public office, the statement situates his legacy beyond legislative chambers alone. The governor’s remarks suggest that Edgell’s influence extended through the ways he approached service, whether through instruction, leadership, or civic responsibility. The emphasis remains on the manner in which Edgell served, rather than on enumerated achievements, reinforcing the governor’s focus on character as the defining measure.

Governor Morrisey further stated that Edgell’s efforts expanded opportunity and improved the lives of others throughout the state. While the statement does not specify particular initiatives or policies, the language conveys the cumulative effect of long-term service. It presents Edgell’s impact as something realized over time, through repeated acts of representation and engagement, rather than through singular moments or headlines.

The statement also reflects a tone of respect and gratitude, acknowledging that nearly two decades of service represents a significant portion of a life given to the public. In recognizing this span of service, the governor’s message implicitly acknowledges the personal cost and sustained commitment required to remain engaged in public life over many years.

Governor Morrisey’s words frame Edgell’s passing as a moment of shared loss for the state. By calling on West Virginians to honor Edgell’s life and service, the statement extends remembrance beyond family and colleagues to the broader community he served. This invitation suggests that Edgell’s work belonged not solely to institutions, but to the people whose lives were shaped by his service.

The governor concluded his statement by offering condolences to Edgell’s family and loved ones, grounding the public acknowledgment in personal sympathy. The closing reinforces the idea that behind public service stands a family and a private life, now experiencing loss. In doing so, the statement balances recognition of public contribution with respect for personal grief.

As issued by the Office of the Governor, the statement stands as the official acknowledgment of Larry Edgell’s passing from the State of West Virginia. It records his life not through a catalog of accomplishments, but through the values attributed to his service: integrity, humility, and commitment to the public good. In that framing, the governor’s message preserves Edgell’s legacy as one defined by how he served, rather than by the offices he held.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF WEST VIRGINIA, official statement issued by Governor Patrick Morrisey on the passing of Larry Edgell, December 2025