Obituaries

Edward Victor Folden

EDWARD VICTOR FOLDEN, 78, of Follansbee, WV, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at WVU Medicine – Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Edward was born on March 3, 1947, in Dunbar, WV. He was the son of the late John Victor Folden and Mary Edith (Kay) Folden. Edward served his country proudly in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, receiving numerous medals and commendations, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal for his service in Germany and Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, Edward began a long career with the West Virginia Army National Guard, serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation. He worked as an Airframe Technician and earned multiple awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. After retiring from the National Guard, Edward continued his love of travel, working as a long-haul truck driver, journeying across the United States with his wife. Edward will be remembered for his dedication to family, his honorable military service, and his adventurous spirit. In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia (Stull) Folden. He is survived by his three children: Vickie Smith and her husband, B.B., of Paden City, WV, Valerie Folden of Follansbee, WV, and Joshua Folden of Follansbee; five grandchildren: Brian Smith of Wheeling, WV; Victor Smith and his wife, Tackonia, of Oklahoma; Tricia Heane and her husband, Cody, of Wheeling, Alaina Folden and her fiancé, Jacob Suter, of Wheeling, and Maggie Meadows of Follansbee; three great-grandchildren: Amari, Auden, and Caden; two siblings, Harold E. Folden and his wife, Mary, and Judy Savage and her husband, Bill, all of Weirton, WV; and several nieces and nephews. Edward chose to gift his body to the WVU Human Gift Registry to aid in medical education and research. A private memorial service will be held in the spring at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, where he and his wife, Patricia, were entombed in the columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edward’s name to the Dementia Society of America, c/o James Funeral Home, 1245 Main Street, Follansbee WV 26037. Condolences, photos and stories may be viewed or added at www.chambersandjames.com.