HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Edward Francis ‘Chad’ Chadwick, who was a leader in the West Virginia newspaper industry and the West Virginia Press Association for decades, passed away on April 6 at home surrounded by his family.
Chadwick, 83, was an active member of the WV Press Association, serving numerous roles including President in 1982. In 1999, he was awarded the Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist Award, which is the most prestigious award presented by the West Virginia Press Association.
In 2002, after more than 40 years of active service as an officer or board member for the WV Press Association, he stepped down as President of the WV Press Association Foundation. As a charter member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, he was instrumental in the purchase of the WV Press headquarters building. In recognition of his lifetime service, the trustees voted to name the building in his honor, The Edward F. Chadwick Newspaper Center at 3422 Pennsylvania Ave. in Charleston, W.Va.
Visitation for Chadwick will be from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, at Reger Funeral Home, followed by the praying of the Rosary. The Funeral Liturgy, officiated by the Reverend Charles McGinnis, will be 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by interment at Docks Creek Cemetery, Kenova. Reger Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.
The following is Chadwick’s obituary, as published in the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington.
Chadwick was born on April 13, 1934 in Kenova, to the late Herbert Bruce Chadwick and Dorothy Nunley Best. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lois Jean Marrow and is survived by sisters, Brucella Wandling of Pt. Pleasant, W.Va., and Paula (Rick) Sullivan of Pt. Pleasant, W.Va.
He is also survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Chadwick, as well as daughters, Debra (Rod) Dingess of Statesville, N.C.; Gail (Steve) Daniel of Lexington, Ky.; son, Edward (Melissa) Chadwick of Franklin, Tenn.; daughter, Jane (Gary) Humphrey of Holly Springs, N.C.; son, Chris (Toni) Chadwick, of Huntington; daughter, Robin (Jeff) Elliott of Asheville, N.C.; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“Ed” or “Chad” as he was often called, graduated from Ceredo-Kenova High School in 1952 and joined the military on August 6th, of 1952. He served as a fire control technician aboard the Naval Destroyer USS Bristol DD857 during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in August of 1956. He continued to serve an additional four years in the naval reserve and was actively involved in their annual reunions. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post #93. Upon his discharge, he returned to the Huntington area, where he attended Marshall University and started a television repair shop.
He was employed by the Huntington Publishing Company from 1956 – 1964. From there, he advanced to Publisher, Managing Editor and part owner of the Wayne County News from 1963 – 1988. In addition to his responsibility of the Wayne County News, he was the founder of the Tri-State Shoppers Guide, and was responsible for a number of publications including, the Marshall University Parthenon and over 20 weekly publications throughout West Virginia.
In addition to his work with the West Press Association, Chadwick was also one of the original founders of the Lavalette State Bank and served on the Board of Directors. He was President of MCM Land Company and developer of the Twin Valley Estates and North Maywood Heights subdivisions.
Throughout his retirement, he took great interest in woodworking and developed a high level of expertise creating and designing custom made furniture for family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to garden, hunt and fish. Each and every year for over 50 years he spent time hunting and fishing the mountains of eastern West Virginia. With his active involvement and dedication to numerous business and community organizations, he developed an amazing circle of friends throughout the Tri-State area and was so giving to others.
He was a devoted husband and father, who treasured his family and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a pillar of Wayne County, the local Huntington and West Virginia State communities and he will be forever missed. The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to all the staff at Hospice of Huntington and caregiver Raymond Aliff of Kenova for their kindness. Contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
