"I was so sorry to hear the news of Mayor Ed Honea's passing. I always appreciated his willingness to continue our dialogue and valued how he always asked about me and my family.

"His experience and leadership will be missed. On behalf of the City of Tucson, I'd like to extend our deepest condolences to his family and the residents of Marana."

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the news of Marana Mayor Ed Honea's sudden passing. One of southern Arizona's most influential leaders, Ed was a dear friend of ours and a devoted public servant who cared deeply about the residents of Marana.

"His leadership was instrumental in the development of Marana and his legacy will continue to have a positive impact on his community long into the future. Today our community lost a great leader, and I lost a great friend. Laura and I are praying for his family and loved ones."

Marana Mayor Ed Honea passed away Friday morning at the age of 77-years-old.

The mayor graduated from Marana High School, the U.S. Naval School of Construction, and Pima Community College. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and is a lifetime member of VFW Post 5990 in Marana.

He was "an outdoor enthusiast and avid hiker and can be found most days on one of the many trails that run throughout the Marana Community."

He is survived by two children and three grandchildren.

The Town of Marana released the following statement Friday afternoon.