Edward F. Walls, Jr., 66 of Philipsburg, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Edward was born on December 31, 1958, in (North) Philipsburg, a son of the late Edward F. Walls, Sr. and Ida Louise “Peg” (Hessong) Walls.
He was a 1976 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School.
Early in his working career, Edward served as a paramedic for AMED (Altoona Mobile Emergency Department). He was a member of AMED’s infamous group known as the “O.F.G.’s” He was also a charter member and served with the MVEMS while also running with AMED. After 17 years of service as a paramedic, Edward made a career change in October 1993 and went to work to work in his father’s dry cleaning business, Shamrock Cleaners, located in Philipsburg. When Edward’s Dad died in 2019, he took over Shamrock Cleaners, a family business that has served the Philipsburg area since 1964.
Edward was married on June 28, 1986, in Altoona, to the former Tammy D. Leahey, who survives at home.
He is also survived by a daughter, Emily R. Walls, and her fiance, Eric Neff, of Tyrone; a son, Edward F. Walls, III, and his wife, Katherine, of Harrisburg; a granddaughter, Charlotte G. Walls, of Harrisburg; a brother-in-law, James R. Whited and his wife, Geni, of Brookville; a niece, Christine Francis and her husband, Scott, of Harrisburg; a nephew, James R. Whited, Jr. and his wife, Amber, of Williamsport; and numerous other extended family members.
Edward was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Whited, in addition to his parents.
He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Philipsburg; where he also served as a church organist for the past 25 years.
Not only was he a fixture on Front Street, he was also well known at his favorite “fishing hold,” Philipsburg’s Cold Stream Dam. He was a very accomplished fisherman and his love of the sport was featured in a Philipsburg Journal article. Edward’s presence at the dam will certainly be missed by the other anglers as well as Ed’s favorite fishin’ buddy, Aaron.
A funeral service will be held at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Philipsburg, on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Lay-Speakers Donald Dinant and Fred Ferguson, officiating.
The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm; and on Friday from 10 am until the time of the service.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Edward’s memory to the Grace United Methodist Church, 912 E. Pine Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.beezerheathfh.com.