Harold "Bud" Edens

Harold Brent Edens, of Ripley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 23, 2026. 

Born on February 11, 1944, in Sissonville, Harold was the son of the late Harold Otmer Edens and Wilma Lee Edens.

Harold graduated from Sissonville High School in 1961 and attended West Virginia State University later that same year. He was a proud and dedicated servant to his country and community throughout his life. Harold served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964, followed by service in the Army Reserves from 1965 to 1972. He continued his military career with the West Virginia National Guard Air Guard from 1973 until his retirement in 2004, totaling 42 years of honorable service.

In addition to his military career, Harold worked for Appalachian Motors from 1965 to 1972 and later dedicated 25 years of service to Kroger, where he worked from 1973 until retiring in 1998.

Harold married Mary Helen Edens, in 1991, and together they shared 35 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Harold had a deep appreciation for the simpler days of the past and found great joy in nostalgic treasures and collectibles. He loved reminiscing about earlier times, sharing stories, and surrounding himself with meaningful items that reflected history, memories, and tradition. His passion for collecting and preserving pieces of the past brought happiness not only to him, but also to those who shared in his stories and memories.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Helen Edens; his children, Michael O’Dale Edens and Melinda Jill Chapman; his stepchildren, James Aaron Lilly and Angela Dawn Lilly; grandchildren, Kendra Beth Edens, Jonsen Michael Edens, Mallori Paige Logston, Adison Grace Chapman, Jason Aaron Lilly, and Sara MacKenzie Lilly; and great-grandchildren, Sutton Logston, Wrenlee Lilly, Koulter Lilly, and Enslee Lilly. Harold is also survived by his siblings, Brenda Edens, Sharon Meadows, Jim Edens, Greg Edens, and Jeff Edens.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Bill Bartlett officiating. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneral.com.