Former West Virginia lawmaker Larry Edgell has died at 79

By RealWV Staff,

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Former Democratic State Senator Larry Edgell, who served in the senate from 1998 until 2014, died Wednesday, at the age of 79. During his final year in office, Edgell served as Senate President Pro Tem. Edgell was a resident of New Martinsville, where he lived with his wife, Cecilia.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the State Democratic Party, Chair Mike Pushkin said, “Larry Edgell exemplified what it it means to be a public servant.”

“He was guided by a deep sense of duty – to his students, his constituents, and his state,” Pushkin added. “As a teacher, a veteran, and a legislator, Larry dedicated his life to lifting others up and expanding opportunity for West Virginians. Our hearts are with Cecilia, Eva, Josh, and the entire Edgell family during this difficult time.”

Through a separate statement, also released on Wednesday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey referred to Edgell as, “A proud veteran, educator, and legislator.”

“He [Edgell] exemplified the very best of public service,” Morrisey said. “Whether in the classroom, in uniform, or in the halls of the Capitol, he worked tirelessly to expand opportunity and improve the lives of others. His legacy of service to the Mountain State will be long remembered.”