Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Edward William Pailes, 81, of King George, VA passed away on April 2, 2022.

Ed was born February 12, 1941 in New York to the late Edward Julian Pailes and Grace Anderson Pailes.

He was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church in King George, VA. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. He had been a Scout Leader in his earlier years. Ed enjoyed camping as well. In his younger years, he had served in the United States Navy.

As a young man Ed was always active. If he did anything it was done the best of his ability. He was active in his church, school, sports and worked after school, sometimes several jobs. He went to Concordia College, as he wanted to become a Lutheran Minister. He had difficulty with the requirement of learning four languages. His guidance counselor advised him to join the Navy as he could wave that requirement. He joined the Navy July 21st 1958. Ed found the Navy interesting and challenging. He stayed, became a nuclear power operator on submarines. He completed 20 years retiring July 21st 1978.

After the navy he took a management position at Brand Rex in Willimantic, Connecticut. It was nearly an hour drive plus the price of gas went over a dollar a gallon. He soon found a position as an instructor at United Nuclear Corporation. His evenings and weekends were filled with projects in the home, or working as a scout master with two scout troops. One of them being at The Mystic Oral School for the Deaf. Ed was also a card carrying Girl Scout leader. He loved being outdoors, teaching young people outdoor skills which made them better prepared for the adult world. The entire family was so involved with scouting that an evening off was a rarity. As time passed the children left home finding Ed and Rosemary looking for new adventures. Ed loved going on cruises or to all-inclusive vacation properties. He enjoyed the endless variety of food, wearing his tuxedo for formal night, touring, and the entertainment. Thus a vacation was scheduled around his February birthday.

There were changes in positions at work, college courses, and eventually Ed earned his Masters of Business Administration. The time came when South Eastern Connecticut was hit with military downsizing. This meant the United Nuclear Corporation was leaving the state for Lynchburg Virginia. Ed was second shift plant manager at the time. He stayed until the plant was fully relocated. Ed took a position as a corrections officer with the state. He brought his inmates out of prison and into the community where they rebuilt community buildings. In 2002 he retired and moved to Virginia where some of the children had relocated.

Once in King George a wonderful church was found, very close to home. It wasn’t long after, however, that the church, Peace Lutheran began building a new church. Ed was in his glory. He worked with his new found friends and the Labors for Christ. Together they made Peace Lutheran Church on route three possible.

When the church was finished Ed put his energy into home and family. There was always something to accomplish. However, in 2012 Ed was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Dementia. Sadly, despite a great fight his body and mind declined. In 2021 Ed was bedridden at home for 15 months, and passed April 2nd. His mother and deceased son Charles was born on April 2nd• The thought is he went to heaven to make sure the party went as planned.

Ed is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rosemary Domain Pailes. Children; Theresa Baker (John), Raymond Espetitee (Chantal), Timothy Espetitee, Edward Pailes, Jr. (Martha), and Christine Gill (Michael).

He is also survived by his Sisters, Barbara Byrd (John), Grace Bertell (Peter), and Elizabeth Zillotto (Hank). 17 Grandchildren, 12 Great-Grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased also by his Son, Charles Pailes. Survived by Daughter-In-Law, Sonya Pailes.

A viewing will take place on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Peace Lutheran Church. 5590 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485 at 10am until time of the Funeral Service at 11am. Interment to follow at the Historyland Memorial Park, King George, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church.