Mardela Springs- Walter "Ed" Edward Hearthway, a resident of Mardela Springs, MD, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at his residence at the age of 70. Ed was born in Snow Hill, MD to the late Mildred Ellen (Shockley) and Lester Vincent Hearthway. At the time of his death, Ed was married to Frances Layton Walker. He graduated from Snow Hill High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970. Duty stations included Okinawa, Vietnam and Japan. Following an honorable discharge in 1970, he enrolled at Mt. St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD, formerly Mt. St. Mary's College. Following graduation from Mt. St. Mary's College, Ed received his master's degree in social work administration in 1975 from the University of MD School of Social Work. He was employed for 35 years by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Developmental Disabilities Administration. During this time Ed also worked as a private consultant with the Accreditation Council and the Columbus Organization. Ed was an active member of various veterans' organizations including the Wicomico County War Memorial Committee, American Legion Post 218 Sharptown, Sons of the American Legion, Heroes Haven, and a life member of the Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Devil Dogs, and Veterans of the Foreign Wars Meuse Post 194 Maryland. In addition, Ed was the Coordinator for the Toys for Tots campaign in the lower eastern shore of MD from 2000 until 2016. Additional memberships included the Galestown Ruritan Club and Salisbury Elks. He is survived by his wife, Fran; his daughter, Megan Lesley Hearthway Palmer and husband, Aaron; a granddaughter, Celia; a grandson, Beckett, all of Baltimore; a nephew, Jonathan Vincent Johnson and wife, Jennifer, and their sons, Tyler and Peyton, all of Bishopville; step-daughters, Kelli Lewis and husband. Jason, and their children, Karly and Kameryn, all of Mardela Springs, and Kimberly Wheatley and husband, Hank of Galestown; and special friends, Merle and Tom Wheatley and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ed's dad preceded him in death in January 1977, his sister Mary Ann died in November 2004, and his mom died in November 2015. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where a memorial service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to: Heroes Haven, c/o Mr. Hank Wheatley, 5832 Wheatley Church Road, Seaford, DE 19973 or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Meuse Post 194, 821 E. Williams Street, Salisbury, MD 21804. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.