CAPT Edward V. Laney Jr. USN

CAPT Edward Veloras Laney, Jr., USN, (Ret.), 97, of Hollywood, MD passed away on December 2, 2025, at his home with his loving family at his side.

Ed was born on January 23, 1928, in San Diego, CA to the late Edward V. Laney, Sr. and Elizabeth A. (nee: Wall) Laney.

After graduating high school, at 18 years old, Ed enlisted in the United States Navy. He earned his college education through the V-5 program. In June 1949, the Wings of Gold were pinned to his uniform in Pensacola, FL. Within three months he was Ensign Laney and ready to take to the skies. Ed was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

He flew the F8F Bearcat and the mighty F4U Corsair with Fighter Squadron 53 out of NAS North Island. Two combat tours in Korea followed: one aboard the USS Valley Forge, the other abroad the USS Essex, answering the call when his country needed him the most. He served aboard 14 U.S. carriers before his retirement.

The ribbons and medals tell only part of his story: 2 Bronze Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 Air Medals; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" (2); five Battle Stars on the Korean Service Ribbon; Vietnam Service Medal with two stars; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; WW II Victory Medal; and so many more earned the hard way, over hostile skies and rolling decks.

From Lieutenant (junior grade) to Captain, from Miramar, CA to the Mediterranean, from the bridge of the USS Coral Sea as Operations Officer to Executive Officer in December 1968, during the Vietnam campaign he led with steady hands and a calm voice when both were needed the most. He was selected for the Astronaut Program with John Glenn and Neil Armstrong but declined to have time with his family. He served as the Gunnery Instructor for the Top Gun Whidbey Island Program. Transferring from the Pentagon he served as the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, where he established the F-4, F-18, and Harrier testing program from 1974 to 1976. He retired on May 31, 1977, with over 31 years of dedicated service. After retirement he worked for McDonald Douglas where he continued his support of the Navy.

Ed was featured in Life Magazine on July 6, 1953, in the story "The Bridges at Toko-Ri. He is also written about in James Michner's book, Forgotten Heroes of Korea. Ironically, he never saw himself as a hero. He loved his country and cared for all its citizens. He especially loved his family and spending his free time with them.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Karen Laney Schaeffer (John) of Woodbridge, VA and Diane Laney Kellam (Jeffrey) of King George, VA; daughter-in-law: Brenda Laney of Leonardtown, MD; grandchildren: Heather Marie Smith (Gary), Michael Warren Laney, Jr. (Sheli), Christopher Michael Laney (Rachel); Kelli Jeanne Makin (Paul); Kevin Matthew Schaeffer (Allison); Jeffrey Lynwood Kellam, Jr. (Amanda) and Steven Edward Kellam (Tia); 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ed is also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret Ann "Marge" Laney; his son, Michael Warren Laney, Sr.; brother, Dale Dudley Laney, and his granddaughter, Jessie Marie Kellam.

Family will receive friends on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; with a Service celebrated by Pastor Chris Whetlor at 1:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD and Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.brinsfieldsfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD